Patricia Sund
Patricia Sund is a Free-Lance Writer residing in Florida with her three African Greys. She has been published in About.com, Bird Talk Magazine, Birds USA, In Your Flock Magazine, Good Bird Magazine as well as numerous websites and newsletters. She is currently doing research for a book titled "Parrot Nation".
Cincinnati Zoo, Patricia Sund, People in Aviculture, Uncategorized
bird food, Bird House, Bird Talk Writer, birds, blogging about parrots, Parrot Blog, Parrot Blogs, Parrot Nation, Patricia Sund, preparing food for birds, Steve Malowski, working at a zoo, working in a zoo, Zoo Keepers, zoo work, Zoos
Patricia Sund
Parrot Nation 
May 8, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Hi! I’ve got a bit of a menagerie of animals, have always loved animals, and know that my career will involve animals someway. Ive worked in a veterinarian office and a pet store (exclusively animal department for both) and I’m wondering how exactly to get a job at a zoo. Honestly, I’m not even sure who to talk to. And do you have any advice?
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May 9, 2010 at 3:28 am
Start by volunteering at a zoo, just to get your feet wet. Working in a zoo isn’t just about feeding the animals. I went for days without even seeing them, really. It’s about preparing their food, cleaning their enclosures and keeping the enclosures safe. It’s brutally hard work. I’ve gotten this question before and have asked Steve Malowski at the Cincinnati Zoo Bird House about it. He’s said they are interested in people who have an aptitude for things other than what is typically though of as “Zoo Work” such as ability to do things like construct perches, make enrichment items, unclog drains, drive a truck, build stuff, repair stuff and be willing to work like a dog. Have a good clean resume, and learn about the Zoo you are applying to. Learn about the Zoo Unions, and take a look at the American Association of Zookeepers (AZA) website. That might help you out. But after having a taste of it two years in a row for three weeks at a time, it’s a tough and physically challenging job. You need to be a people person and realize Zoos are Education environments disguised as entertainment. I’ll try and email you with more specific information from Steve. Good luck!
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May 11, 2010 at 8:05 am
Patricia summed it up quite well. All that I would add is that one would have a solid background in biological sciences. All of the boring and not so boring facets of biology and behavior fall nicely into place when you are problem solving in a zoological setting. Believe me, problem solving is a day to day practice in this business. The proper training and tools to accomplish that end are most welcome.
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