Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Oklahoma City, OK USA
“There’s a huge on-the-job training aspect that you can’t get in a book. You have to go out and start doing it, learning, and making mistakes.”
Curator of Animal Behavior & Welfare
I oversee the welfare and behavior of over 1,400 animals at the zoo.
Basically, my job is to watch animals and let them tell me what they need. The best parts of my day are when I feel like I am making a difference and making sure that the animals have a quality life here. Whether it is helping a keeper make a breakthrough or just watching animals doing what they do. My tasks can vary from observing training sessions, observing the animals behavior in their habitats, teaching classes for keepers, meeting with leadership to pursue conservation projects, and more.
Here's the first step for high school students
You must have passion! The road looks different for every traveler----you must find your own compass! Start early and learn from the animals around you. Start observing animal behavior and volunteering places that will allow you to hone your skills.
"Why should I care about protecting animals?"
Finding rewarding work without a four-year degree
