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Want to get a degree in zoology...

I have a degree in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Fisheries. My eventual focus was ornithology and herpetology. About 75% of my research has been in ornithology. Before I went in, I knew that volunteering is key!! And it is! I already had several volunteer positions lined up before I even started taking classes. And for years I did volunteer work with raptors, with wolves, with fish, anything I could do really. It was that experience that ultimately got my foot in the door.

Nanci kind of mentioned that I travel a lot. And yes I do. But I love it. I could have had a permanent job by now if thats what I wanted. But I get the most enjoyment out of traveling all over the country, experiencing different places, and working with different bird species. All of my work has been research, but its been a lot of hands on stuff. I have been doing this a long time now though. Bird research since 2004, but field biology since I was 16. It is very competitive but volunteering tells people you are dedicated and are actually interested in it. The field does not pay a lot and the work is sporadic. But when you do find the work, its worth it.

Right now its the off season for research so Im working for a biological consulting company who does wildlife and bird surveys for a transmission line going up in Los Angeles. Its easy work, but its not rewarding. But its work. Come the spring I get to go back to San Diego and work with endangered song birds. That is what its worth to me. And who knows where I will end up next?

I love talking about what I do and encourage others to do the same. Its great you have an interest! I would defnitely suggest volunteering. Many places have resources for wildlife rehab, or even the state wildlife agencies have volunteer programs. I volunteered for the Colorado Division of Wildlife for 7 years. Im not much of a zoologist, but Im sure that zoos also have volunteer programs but they are probably harder to get into.

Good luck!
 
Lolol.

Angela, you make it sound like "zoology" is the study of zoos. And zoo-related fashizzle. Lol.

But seriously, I would much rather work 'in the field' so to speak,...than ever in a zoo itself.
I have serious and mixed feelings regarding zoos.
 
Reading through these posts, my own included, overall the attitude might seem kind of negative. I have seen intelligent people go into the major/degree with one idea of animal keeping. I've seen those same people want to change majors their junior/senior year when they get their first internship and were surprised when the actual experience was something totally different. I think we are all just trying to give you the whole picture- not the one that visitors often see. This is why I 100% agree with Ratsncorns that interning and volunteering is vital before committing to the cost of a degree.

I'm currently in the field and I love my job for the most part. I work closely with incredible animals that few other people get to work with. I get to know their individual personalities, play with them, teach them, and feed and care for them. But I come home tired almost every night. I don't have a normal schedule. Like anyone else, I have bosses that have their issues, deal with office politics and co-worker conflicts. Unlike most other college educated people in competitive fields, I'm dealing with those stressors while bringing in a high school graduate's salary.

The novelty of working with cool animals eventually does wear off and you start to notice not being able to afford a new pre-owned car, working outside in all weather covered in awful smelling substances, and being exhausted frequently.

So why do people keep doing it? Some don't- some grow tired and eventually switch fields. Those who stay do it for their own personal reasons. It could be that they believe in the mission, that they really love the animals, that they feel their making a difference. This is something that you'll have to figure out for yourself.

I started volunteering in high school at a local zoo. I went to school with specialized majors, and had 4 different internships and one volunteer position throughout college. Even then, it took me 2 years before I landed a full time position in the field. Some people move faster, some slower. I'm just telling you what my experience was.

I have seen people leave when it comes time to start a family. Often, the hours and dedication that the job demands don't mix well with having young children at home. This once again isn't true for everyone. Just my observations.

It very much helps to have an out when the time comes. I've seen people want to leave, but don't have the experience on their resume to easily make a transition to a more traditional job. This can easily become very frustrating.

I'd say start volunteering/interning when you can. Give it a try, but give yourself an out if you do hit that mark and don't want to do it anymore.
 
vetusvates said:
Lolol.

Angela, you make it sound like "zoology" is the study of zoos. And zoo-related fashizzle. Lol.

But seriously, I would much rather work 'in the field' so to speak,...than ever in a zoo itself.
I have serious and mixed feelings regarding zoos.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry you feel that way Vetusvates. You are certainly not alone.

I could sit here an list all the reasons zoos and aquariums matter. I could say that accredited zoos treat the animals like royalty, and that the keepers love them dearly, and that vital research is conducted that would be nearly impossible do in the wild.

But the truth is, I don't care if you ever pay admission to a zoo or aquarium again. As long as you care about and actively help animals in some way.

Many claim education is an important aspect of keeping animals in zoos. I think it helps to some degree, but the reality is that I have yet to see a solid study that can definitively state that seeing a live animal up close changes conservation based behavior long term (recycling, not polluting, ect). If anyone has, please point me in the direction.

What I can tell you definitively is that those people paid admission, which not only goes to caring for the animals in the current collection, but also funds research, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts. Tell me, how many anti-captivity people do you know donate over $100 or their time directly to animal research and conservation? If you can name more than 10, you have some charitable friends. In my experience, many people want something in return for their hard earned money. Taking their children to see a live zebra, elephant, or shark is that exchange. People who don't really care about animals but want a day out with the family then inadvertently contribute to those vital missions. When certain species of rhinos are nearly extinct and killer whales are washing up on beaches so polluted their caucuses are classifieds as toxic waste, that isn't money that we can afford to turn away. If you can think of a better way of doing it, by all means please go for it.

If enough people feel that zoos and aquariums are wrong, they will stop paying admission and the business will go under. Simple capitalism. However before anyone jumps on the zoos are wrong train, please do your research. By research, please read actual scientific papers on the issues, not the Dodo.

So I don't really care what your (by your, I mean anyone's not vetusvates personally) personal view on the issue is. However, please keep in mind that no one is helping anything by just signing a Facebook petition. Get up, get out, and donate time or money to helping wild animals in need.
 
BlackBear, you have quite shrewdly and accurately elucidated just one of the many facets that constitute my spectrum of feelings on zoos.
(A spectrum, the 'variations on a theme' of which, I could not possibly expect anyone to make much real sense of, nor inference from, by the brevity of my post that you quote.
I doubt I could have been more ambiguous than when I said "serious and mixed". Choice of worksite I would submit is worded nearly as vague and cryptic. My omission of reasons, pros and cons, was deliberate.)
Which is to say that I am perfectly aware that there is much good in what zoos can do.

I've been to many, and many types of, zoos over the years. From New Orleans to St. Louis to Washington, DC and beyond.
And read many papers written from data that could only be generated and recorded in zoos.
I have witnessed firsthand the good they can do.
Thank you for the discourse, but no need for a "list".

But back to zoology. More importantly, I wanted to recapitulate the vastness of the curriculum itself.
In fact, to achieve my B.S. in Zoology, other courses were required that gave me a double minor--Chemistry and Microbiology,...by the time the race was run.
The research I've been lucky enough to be involved in has exceeded that in my major subject, actually, by work in my minor subjects.
 
So, then why say "But seriously, I would much rather work 'in the field' so to speak,...than ever in a zoo itself."? Followed by your statement of mixed feelings on the subject, it seems to imply an unfavorable opinion. I should have asked, why would you not want to ever work at a zoo itself?
Forgive my "shrewdness" when stating my opinion on a subject that I have spent years researching and been involved directly with. It was not a direct attack on you, but rather an open statement to anyone who does not agree with the practice. I'm tired of online petitions from armchair activists smugly posting zoo and aquarium torture claims while zoo and aquarium employees are out in all weather attempting to rescue injured animals and preserve their habitats.
 
I can't fathom 'why' I would ever, here, answer a question that begins with 'why'.

When you say 'unfavorable opinion'...those are your words. Not mine.

If you are determined to get on a soapbox, knock yourself out. By all means, be my guest.
Although maybe not in this young woman's thread.
Which is why I am remaining civil.

But don't infer or inflict meanings, opinions, or conclusions from my grammatically/academically 'neutral' posts.
If you need a stepladder to mount your soapbox--do not use me or my posts for that purpose.

In case you missed it in my post #27, I was agreeing with you and heaping laud on zoos.
I am not interested in 'why', but am indeed amused by your positioning yourself in opposition....to an opposition that does not exist.
 
So what are your "serious and mixed feelings regarding zoos"? Why post this, without posting what they are? What does just the knowledge that you have "feelings" regarding zoos contribute to the conversation? Why not state what they are and the reasoning behind them? Maybe you can teach us something?
 
I post what I post. As most people do. I omit what I omit. What I want vague...I state vaguely. What I want clear...I state clearly.
And I do not explain the 'whys' of my posts, nor life in general, unless philosophizing with friends with my feet propped up.
"Why do idiots exist?" <----- Example of a useless question, essentially unanswerable.
"Why do some people turn to a deity in times of crisis, and others do not?" <----- Example of a good discussion, probably no wrong answers.

You have started a fight...that did not exist. You are alone in the ring.
Now you need an opponent, with some sweeping negative and opposing opinion to legitimize this fight. To enter the ring after the fact.
I decline emphatically to be lured into such a burlesque. (So no, I won't be teaching anyone anything.......not tonight, at least...lol...)
Please cease and desist your baiting.

This thread belongs to ashleynicole.
 
Fair enough. I misinterpreted your post, and for that I apologize. I am not trying to seek out an opponent, but rather was too quick to defend a field that I feel strongly about.
 
Apology accepted.

And I do respect and applaud your passion.
And I am sure we share much feeling and sentiment along those lines.
Your posts #24 and #26 are articulate and have great meaning. They need to be in this thread for people to read.
If I was a catalyst, so be it...I don't mind at all, but I was definitely not an opponent nor 'hostile witness'. :cheers:
 
I agree this thread wasn't to debate zoo's... zoology is simply the biology of animals... biology is the science of life... my favorite subject.


To respond to some of the earlier posts that warn how arduous it can be working in this field, I understand completely and I welcome the realostic opinions. It's not all cuddling and playing with animals. I'm not a stranger to hard work, I grew up in a farmlike environment, we had cows, chickens, gardening. I had to pick veggies and feed animals before and after school. I'm not to type of person who has spent their life inside and sheltered. I've always had to work and Florida is no joke working outside, but I still love the outdoors and try to get out as often as possible... (usually somewhere water is involved in the summer though... )

Also please dont judge mu prose based on my responses here. I'm using a smartphone with a forum app... it doesn't exactly make being eloquent easy.
 
Oh also in response to the young children, my children are 5 and 7 and I totally agree with you. I graduated nursing school before having kids but desperately wanted two kids before I was 25 and I met my goal. They are my number one focus right now but I do have time for classes now that they're school aged. When they're at school on my days off I have plenty of time since I only work 3 twelve hour shifts a week. And I can't have any more children... so no more babies to worry about.
 
vetusvates said:
Lolol.

Angela, you make it sound like "zoology" is the study of zoos. And zoo-related fashizzle. Lol.

But seriously, I would much rather work 'in the field' so to speak,...than ever in a zoo itself.
I have serious and mixed feelings regarding zoos.
Click to expand...

When I started college my original goal was to work at a zoo. I ended up volunteering at a zoo for a good chunk of my time in college, decided I didn't think I'd like working in a zoo long term, but didn't have any field experience under my belt. I never even thought about getting into any sort of zoology lab work and further education at the time, but now that is probably what would interest me the most. I think that's what got me stuck in a rut with the completed zoology degree, didn't really know what I wanted at the time! I'd do things differently if I could do it over, but I like where I'm at now so can't complain.
 
Last edited:
vetusvates said:
Lolol.

Angela, you make it sound like "zoology" is the study of zoos. And zoo-related fashizzle. Lol.

But seriously, I would much rather work 'in the field' so to speak,...than ever in a zoo itself.
I have serious and mixed feelings regarding zoos.
Click to expand...

I realize that, but she was talking on doing more hands on work with animals. Which is why I mentioned zoos. Im not a fan of zoos myself. Ive done a lot of hands on work but it required traveling to do it. Whereas you can usually find zoos in most areas.
 
(here's a better reply now that Im not on my phone)

At my college, zoology required a lot of courses in agricultural animals, which I have absolutely no interest in. My degree (wildife biology) had almost nothing in common with the zoology courses. They had more in depth courses on microbiology and chemistry. While I took such courses as well, I was more interested in the entire habitats, entire ecosystems. So I took a degree that focused a lot on things like geology, soil, various wild vertebrate animals (mammals, fish, herps, etc), and many plant and dendrology courses. I loved it! And still love it! And love working in the field. But not everyone can make the sacrifices of traveling a lot to get all those experiences. And since Zoos seem to have more of that hands on feel it was an obvious suggestion.

When it comes to zoos, I realize they serve an important role. But the part I dont like is teaching our new generations that having exotic animals such as large zoo animals is accepted. And behind cages are okay. I always get so sad at zoos seeing them in those enclosures. Even though I know there is another purpose to it. BUT then you go to the zoos that make the big ones look bad. Like someones personal collection they call a zoo and charge admission. Been there done that, so I just stay away.
 
Hey all, figured that I should chime in. I graduated school a few years ago with a biology degree and the intent to become a zookeeper. Since then I've worked a strange assortment of positions during the year and tried to work summer jobs with zoos. One of my jobs was with petco. In terms of daily work it isn't much different than being a zookeeper. There is a handbook of how to care for the animals and you log any changes in an animal's living arrangements and life as they occur. It's enjoyable at first, but can start to wear on you. As has been said, you work a lot, get covered in foul things, and get very little recognition and compensation. I've cleaned some exotic fecals in my day but shan't get anything special from doing it. It wasn't until trying it out for a year at petco and for a few weeks in New Jersey that I changed my mind.

My summers were spent as teaching and that's what I do now. I work at an AZA accredited zoo in New Jersey as an educator and sometime animal keeper. I'd recommend something like this if you can get it. It allows me to work with animals in the collection to socialize them for presentations and I often care for some of them as well (i currently maintain our tropical fish tank). I've been an educator for a long time and I enjoy working with the public.

My biology degree didn't get me this job or any of the other jobs that I've loved. It helped that I went to college but the work experience is what brought me to these facilities. I am considering a master's in science education in the hope that it will help me but I'm not sure it will. If you want to try something new, get out there and try it. Most places can be touchy about their collections, for good reasons, but once you gain the trust of an institution you will get a view of what the industry is like. Some people love it, some don't, and some change their opinion based on the size of the facility. Good luck figuring it out! It's a long road but I'm enjoying the climb.
 
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