Five years ago I was already working here. Ten years ago, I knew I would be in the southwest, but didn't know exactly where. I did know I would be working with reptiles and amphibians. Twenty years ago, I had no idea I would end up at the desert museum. I did know I would be working in zoos.
Communication skills are very important.
Other important things are being able to work well around others and being self-motivated. Having healthy animals and good-looking exhibits. Having my colleagues at other institutions respect me professionally. You need to finish college at the very least. While many zoos may not require a college degree, you will be competing with people who have college degrees.