How to become a Zookeeper
Feeds, provides water for, and monitors the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks. Cleans, fixes and maintains animal enclosures, and informs visitors about animals.
Main tasks
- Feeds and waters animals according to schedules and dietary requirements
- Monitors animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns
- Cleans and maintains animal enclosures
- Assists with the capture, restraint and transportation of animals
- Administers medications and treatments to animals under veterinary direction
- Conducts inspections of animal enclosures to identify and address safety hazards and maintenance issues
- Interacts with visitors and participates in education programs, providing information about animals and conservation efforts
Ways in
- University: Veterinary & Animal Science degrees, Offered by 11 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321); Certificate III in Working with Crocodiles (SFI30520); Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40222)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $66,352 a year
- About 26,000 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+11%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Zookeeper?
Ways in include: Veterinary & Animal Science degrees; Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care; Certificate III in Working with Crocodiles.
How much does a Zookeeper earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $66,352 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Zookeeper a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 26,000 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Zookeeper?
Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Veterinary & Animal Science degrees; Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care; Certificate III in Working with Crocodiles.
Will AI change the work of a Zookeeper?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04