The future of zookeeping and the challenges ahead S. Good, President, AAZK & ICZ Animal Keeper, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Ohio, USA
A common bond for the world’s zookeepers is their passion for wildlife and their commitment to improving professional animal care, animal welfare, and conservation. The modern day zookeeper is expected to have a conservation ethic and expertise in a multitude of tasks, including animal husbandry and educational presentation skills. Today’s zookeepers are usually college educated, and they may perform many complex tasks, yet the majority of their day continues to include the basic skills of cleaning and maintaining animal exhibits and holding areas. This paper will examine the evolution of the zookeeping profession, and highlight the challenges and inevitable changes to come. Additionally, the number of national zookeeper associations continues to increase, and their influence within the zoological industry continues to grow. Zookeeper associations are the catalysts for professional development, and their committees increasingly shape the profession of animal care. The profession of zookeeping must continue to improve and broaden its sphere of influence within the industry. If we are to achieve our professional and conservation goals, the world’s zookeeper associations must increase both the growth of their individual associations, and also their collaboration within the international community of zookeeping. Presented in this paper are suggested solutions to the challenges for zookeepers and their professional associations. |