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Keeper Nicole Kehl feeds a Guam Micronesian kingfisher chick at the McCormick Bird House. Keepers are responsible for giving each animal a healthful diet that provides all of the necessary nutrients.

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Assistant Lead Keeper Anthony Nielsen dons diving gear to ensure the cichlid tanks stays spotless at Regenstein African Journey. Keepers spend much of their time maintaining exhibits to ensure animal well-being.

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Keeper Mike Skidmore uses a slice of tomato to get a red-footed tortoise to take its medicine. Monitoring the health of animals in their care is a crucial part of keepers’ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions of Zookeepers

Zookeepers lie at the heart of every living institution. These dedicated individuals care for animals on a daily basis: they prepare food, provide enrichment, maintain comfortable living environments and keep a close eye on animal health and well-being. Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to honor the commitment of our caregivers. Their dedication ensures that our animals enjoy the best-possible living conditions.

Learn more about the life of a zookeeper with these frequently asked questions!

What is an average day in the life of a zookeeper?
There are no ordinary days for zookeepers, which is one of the exciting aspects of this career. Zookeepers are responsible for the care and well-being of the animals within the zoo. Their jobs are diverse, ranging from preparing foods and cleaning enclosures to developing environmental enrichment that keeps animals active and stimulated.

Zookeepers help design, renovate and repair animal enclosures, and they care for the plants in and around the exhibits. Keepers must be excellent observers, learning the habits and behaviors of individual animals and groups. They must be able to detect subtle changes in an animal's physical or psychological condition and then react accordingly.

Additionally, zookeepers work closely with conservation scientists on topics such as reproductive biology and research initiatives, which helps preserve rare and endangered species and enables us to better care for the animals here.

What are the rewards of being a zookeeper?
For many zookeepers, working with wildlife and supporting conservation is a dream job. Zookeeping offers a unique opportunity for an individual to pursue a career that is stimulating, demanding and deeply satisfying. The gratification of maintaining and reproducing wild animals—especially rare or endangered species—can be highly rewarding.

What are some of the challenges of being a zookeeper?           
Animals are intelligent, and it can be challenging to develop unique enrichment ideas to keep them active and interested. It can also be a challenge to adapt quickly to unforeseen events or emergencies that arise.

Zookeepers work closely with their animals and are very dedicated to the animals in their care. They understand the importance of sometimes moving animals between zoo institutions for breeding and conservation recommendations, but it can difficult and sad to see an animal they cared for daily go elsewhere.

Death is also difficult, although it’s inevitable for everyone. Because animals require daily, specialized care, keepers must work every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.

How do you become a zookeeper?
The more education and hands-on experience you have, the better.

Education: Many zookeepers have college degrees in science-related fields, such as biology, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation science or animal behavior. Take as many different courses in these areas as you can, and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in your chosen field.

Hands-on Experience: Find opportunities to work with animals. Volunteer or intern at animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, nature centers, veterinary clinics, parks, farms, horse stables and more.