{"id":27855,"date":"2021-06-11T10:48:34","date_gmt":"2021-06-11T09:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=27855"},"modified":"2021-06-14T10:39:04","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T09:39:04","slug":"can-i-be-a-zoological-veterinarian-and-a-zookeeper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/animal-care\/can-i-be-a-zoological-veterinarian-and-a-zookeeper\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I be a Zoological Veterinarian and a Zookeeper?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Working with animals in any capacity can bring considerable job satisfaction to people with an affinity for animals. But there is something incredibly enticing about working with some of the most majestic and exotic species on the planet. You can do this as a keeper or vet in a zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either position satisfies the needs of anyone wanting to work with exotic animals, but they do so in different ways. The skillset required for each is different. But that\u2019s not to say having skills in one role wouldn\u2019t also highly benefit the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zookeepers are well versed in handling animals where needed and moving safely around their enclosures. With veterinary skills, they\u2019d be able to assist animals on the ground and spot any signs of ill-health early. Preventing any health issues from escalating and enabling the animals to live longer, healthier lives would make a real difference. Not least because many of the animals you\u2019d be working with are endangered so any loss of life would be acutely felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoological veterinarians examine the animal\u2019s physical anatomy and condition, administer medications and perform procedures that maintain their health. But with the practical skills of a zookeeper, they\u2019d likely be better at handling the animals. And working with them to assess their health whilst they are conscious, as opposed to performing examinations mostly when sedated.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the benefit of these crossover skills, there isn\u2019t currently a role that combines the two. Some zookeepers have qualifications in animal science, but they aren\u2019t essential for employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You would generally go into one role or the other. If you\u2019re considering either option, find out more about what is involved in each below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stonebridge<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Working as a Zoological Veterinarian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a zoological veterinarian, you will have invested time into advanced training and study to medically treat exotic wildlife species. Once qualified, you could treat anything from iguanas to elephants and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll treat any illnesses or injuries that the animals in the zoo sustain and provide them with preventative medical care. This includes using an array of medicines and equipment like imaging devices and surgical tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The duties you\u2019ll perform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To perform your duties competently and confidently, you\u2019ll need certain skills and qualities. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to become a zoological veterinarian, you\u2019ll need to complete the same training as a regular vet. This involves completing an undergraduate degree in veterinary science and medicine. Then obtaining registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After this, you will need to carry on your training and education to specialise in zoological medicine. But you\u2019ll gain your physical experience by first working with domestic animals in a general veterinary practice. This allows you to establish your core skills and gain hands-on experience with the similarities and differences of animal species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the experience you need treating domestic animals, a postgraduate degree in wildlife health and medicine is also essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To gain more experience with other, more unusual species, you can complete voluntary work with wildlife rescue centres.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stonebridge<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Working as a Zookeeper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a zookeeper, you\u2019re the member of the zoo team that is most visible to the public. And as such, your work is split between working directly with animals to enhancing the visitor experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zookeeper roles are highly competitive as they provide you with unique experiences and ample opportunities to become involved with animal conservation. You\u2019re also able to specialise and work with animals of particular interest to you. Handling the enclosure of reptiles, big cats, aquatic species, birds or any other section that you\u2019re drawn to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your role is dynamic, but at times it can be quite repetitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The duties you\u2019ll perform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n