| Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to determine the curricular needs, educational level, and practical experience needed for entry-level positions in zoological care and to set a baseline for further research in this area. The population surveyed included Directors, who are in charge of the entire zoological operation and General Curators, who are primarily in charge of the animal collection at the zoo. One hundred and eighty-two institutions were included in the study with a population of 365 individuals. A mail survey questionnaire was used. The instrument contained both closed and open ended questions. Response rate for this study was 300 individuals (82%). Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and ranges were used to report the data collected.; Findings and conclusions. Curricular and topical areas are important in training entry-level zoo and aquarium keepers with emphasis on management, behavior, health, safety, and communication skills. Those seeking entry-level zoological care positions should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in or related to Animal Husbandry, Animal Science, Zoology, and/or Conservation Biology and have paid animal experience before seeking a job in the zoo and aquarium industry. Practical experience with different species of animals should be a major part of a zoological care preparation program. Both Directors and General Curators look for the same background of education and experience for entry-level positions in zoological care. The majority of the management personnel who participated in this study began their careers in the Zoo and Aquarium Industry with a Bachelor's degree and unpaid domestic animal experience. Currently, the majority of those same respondents have a bachelor's degree and have all most twice the number of years in management experience as in animal care experience. For a majority of career areas listed on the AZA website, the managers prefer at least a bachelor's degree and 2 to 7 years of experience. |
