Zoologist

Job overview
Zoologists study animals, which they take to be any living creature that is not a plant, a fungus, a virus or a bacterium.

Thus fishes, birds, mammals, insects, worms, rock lobsters, snails, starfish, sponges and jellyfish are all animals studied by them.

What do people do in this occupation?
Zoologists are biologists who study the basic aspects of animal life such as its structure, life processes, behaviour, evolution, growth, development, habitat, conservation and classification.

Zoologists' work varies from pure research and laboratory work to fieldwork.

Museum zoologists, for example, are involved in the preservation of valuable animal collections, research on the classification and distribution of animals and the construction of interpretative displays for the education of the public.

A variety of modern research equipment is used by zoologists.

Data gathered from research is analysed with the help of a computer.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Zoologists need to be nature lovers, observant, patient and able to work accurately and methodically.

Research is an important part of their work.

What qualifications are needed?
A basic qualification is a BSc with major in zoology, and most practising zoologists will have undertaken postgraduate studies in the subject.