Nature Conservator (Zoo)

Job overview
In zoos, nature conservators look after the animals' general well-being.

This includes monitoring their physical health and managing their breeding in conjunction with the zoo veterinarian and keeping their enclosures clean and tidy.

They also educate the public regarding animals and conservation.

What do people do in this job?
The most important task of nature conservators is the physical care of the animals.

This includes feeding them, ensuring that they stay healthy and that their enclosures are attractive and visitor-friendly.

Nature conservators must also spot and report illnesses and injuries to the veterinarian immediately, and help to immobilise, capture and transport animals whenever necessary.

They are also responsible for supervising the attendants, and continually conduct research to stay abreast of the latest developments.

Nature conservators also gather data on the animals and ensure that breeding programmes go well and are scientifically correct.

Nature conservators work indoors as well as outdoors.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Nature conservators must have a love of, and an understanding of, animals, coupled with a strong sense of responsibility.

They should be physically fit, and able to communicate easily and spontaneously with the visitors.

They must be prepared to work long and irregular hours, and on weekends and public holidays.

What qualifications are needed?
A nature conservator will normally have taken science subjects at school and have a BSc degree, with major in zoology and probably have undertaken postgraduate studies in that area.