Will “Zoo Caretaker” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.

• Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

• Sell pet food and supplies.

• Discuss with clients their pets' grooming needs.

• Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.

• Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.

• Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.

• Transfer animals between enclosures to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.

• Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.

• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.

• Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.

• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.

• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.

• Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.

• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.

• Anesthetize and inoculate animals, according to instructions.

• Perform animal grooming duties, such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.

• Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment, such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.

• Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.

• Train animals to perform certain tasks.

• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.