More Than Just a Job: What It Takes to Be a Zookeeper

LITTLE ROCK (July 21, 2025)— When most people picture a zookeeper, they imagine someone feeding animals, cleaning habitats, or maybe leading a training session—but there’s so much more to the role than what guests see during a visit. Zookeepers are the heart of the Zoo, and during Keeper Appreciation Week, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication, training, and passion it takes to care for the incredible animals who call the Little Rock Zoo home.

Years of Training, a Lifetime of Learning

Becoming a zookeeper isn’t just about loving animals (though that helps!). Most keepers hold degrees in fields like biology, zoology, or animal science. Many also complete internships, volunteer programs, or spend years gaining hands-on experience with  conservation organizations and other zoos before landing their first paid role. The competition is fierce; this is a career fueled by passion, not glamour.

But it’s not just about working with animals—it’s about working with people, too. Zookeepers play a vital role in connecting guests to wildlife through daily interactions, keeper chats, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational programs. They are often the bridge between animals and the public, helping to foster empathy, answer questions, and inspire conservation action. Whether speaking to a classroom, engaging curious guests on a busy weekend, or sharing a story about an animal’s unique personality, great keepers know that education is just as important as animal care. After all, we can’t protect what we don’t understand—and that understanding starts with a conversation.

Everyone Wants to Work with Animals—But Not Everyone Can

Ask almost any zookeeper when they knew they wanted to work with animals, and they’ll likely tell you: “Since I was a kid.” It’s a dream shared by many but one that only a few are truly prepared to pursue.

Zookeeping is one of the most competitive career fields in animal care. For every open position, there are often dozens—sometimes hundreds—of applicants. A strong educational background is important, but it’s only part of the equation. Those who succeed in the field have often volunteered, interned, and worked seasonal jobs for years just to build the hands-on experience needed to stand out.

Even with credentials and experience, the reality of the job can be challenging. Zookeepers work in all weather conditions, on their feet for long hours, lifting heavy objects, and responding quickly to unexpected situations. They care deeply, and that means sharing in the highs and lows of animal life—welcoming new births, saying goodbye to aging residents, and staying calm during medical emergencies. It’s a demanding path both physically and emotionally.

It’s not for everyone. But for those who are built for it, it’s a calling—and their dedication makes a lasting impact on both animals and the guests who come to learn from them.

Compassion in Action

At the Little Rock Zoo, our keepers form strong, trusting bonds with the animals in their care. They are often the first to detect when something’s not quite right—spotting early signs of illness, changes in behavior, or subtle shifts in appetite. That close relationship allows them to advocate for the animals every day.

They also train animals for cooperative care—teaching behaviors that make health checks less stressful. Whether it’s presenting a paw, stepping onto a scale, or voluntarily participating in medical procedures, these trained behaviors allow animals to receive care with reduced stress. This makes a world of difference in the animal’s wellbeing.

Behind every clean habitat, healthy animal, and positive guest experience is a keeper making it happen—long before the Zoo opens and well after it closes.

Thank You This Week—And Every Week

Zookeeping may not come with fame or headlines, but it’s one of the most impactful and selfless jobs in the world of wildlife conservation. During Keeper Appreciation Week—and all year long—we invite you to take a moment to thank a keeper when you see one. Whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or a simple “thank you,” your appreciation means more than you know.

Better yet, consider attending a keeper chat, supporting conservation programs, or making a donation in honor of their work. Every action, no matter how small, supports the mission they live out every day.

To all the keepers at the Little Rock Zoo and beyond: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are grateful for everything you do.