19 Aug Embarking on a Journey: Entering the Conservation Field
This blog entry is brought to you by a reader who poses the question:
“I was wondering about getting into a career dealing with large felines. What kind of qualifications are usually required for said career path?”
This is an excellent question for those who are wanting to get involved in the conservation field but just don’t know where to start!
The conservation field, especially within a zoo, can be quite competitive. Though there are so many avenues that you can take to get involved in. So what can set you apart?
First off, a proper education. Jobs when caring for animals are not as simple as just making sure they have enough food and water. There are so many intricate details that go into properly caring for a species from proper nutrition, enrichment, necessary climate, natural behaviors and so much more that go hand-in-hand and influence one another. To be able to be successful in this field stems from the understanding of not only the animal itself and its needs but how to decipher and problem solve when issues arise, reaching the root of the cause.
A great next step would be to get involved! Apply for an internship and volunteer your time to gain experience. It looks wonderful on a resume to see someone who is dedicated to giving their time to not only help out an organization but spend their time learning and evolving their own set of skills. This can also help you narrow down what conservation avenue you would like to take! Some of these avenues include husbandry, research, nutrition, medical care, training, enrichment, and many more! But by getting involved and trying new things you can figure out what you like, what you don’t, and maybe even be surprised by something unexpected!
Make connections when and wherever you can! The zoo field is a highly connected network of organizations, constantly working together towards our conservation goals. So reach out! Many people within the field love connecting with one another especially those that have the interest and passion to get involved. Reach out to your local zoo or like minded organization and connect with the education staff, keepers, and everything in between.
Getting your foot in the door is a hard first step but that is what will give you upcoming opportunities. So don’t shy away! Volunteer, learn, and even take the job that might not be exactly what you are looking for but it’s a great first step that will provide you with incredible experience that will help you in the long run.
Do you have an interest in getting involved at Ross Park Zoo? Check out our Employment and Volunteer page for all of our opportunities!
Have a topic of interest? Let us know in the comment section below!
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