Keepers feed, water, groom, and exercise animals. They also provide the animals with companionship or enrichment activities. Animal caretakers must be alert to behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury. They sometimes assist in research studies and give interpretive lectures to the public. Much of the work may be physically demanding.
Keepers generally work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Animals require attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most full-time keepers work about forty hours per week, some work fifty hours per week or more. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care for captive animals. In spite of the odd hours and hard work, keeper jobs are at a premium and the rewards are great. Competition is fierce, but the job outlook is good as opportunities continue to expand.