Summary
A Zoologist is someone who studies the behaviour, origins, genetics, diseases and life progression of animals and
wildlife. There are a variety of ways that a zoologist can specialize and there are many diverse jobs in this field. A
zoologist may devote their lifetime to the study of a single species, or work can be more generalized.
Zoologists work at zoos, participating in the direct care of animals. They will observe them, organize and conduct
experimental studies in either controlled or natural surroundings. A zoologist may also help to develop educational
materials for zoo staff or visitors. Others work overseeing wildlife reserves, counting animal populations or studying
the behaviour of certain animals.
There are many different types of zoologists, identified by the types of species they study. The following are a few of
those specialize, Mammologist- one who studies mammals, Herpetologist - one who studies reptiles and amphibians,
Entomologist - one who studies insects, Ichthyologist - one who studies fish, Ornithologist - one who studies birds.
There may be an assumption that a zoologist is always outside working with animals, but that is not necessarily true.
Many may work in a lab-based environment, studying certain biological aspects of animals. Others may work as
professors at universities and colleges, teaching zoology instead of being out in the field. Others will write reports and
scientific papers or journal articles.
The duties of Zoologist includes to study the behavior of animals in their natural habitat, conduct experiments on
animals in captivity or dissect animals. Research zoologists may also be wildlife educators. In addition to research, they
would create presentations and displays for visitors on field trips or exhibit animals they have raised. Other zoologist
careers include zookeepers and wildlife rehabilitators. As a zookeeper, you would prepare food for and feed captive
animals, monitor their health and discuss animal care with zoo visitors. As a wildlife rehabilitator, they would care for
injured or ill animals and release them back into the wild. In some occupations, they might not work directly with
animals. For example, they might gather data about animals for environmental impact studies or monitor emissions
and effluvia around a factory to make sure they are within safe tolerance levels for animals.
Work Environment
Some Zoologists work as professors, preferring the classroom instead of being out in the field. Others work in a labbased
environment. Yet others prefer working outdoors, studying and working in wildlife reserves. Zoologists who do
work out in the field or in remote areas can be away for long periods of time, sometimes weeks or months. And of
course, some zoologists actually work at zoos, observing and taking care of animals.
Entry Level Education
- Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in Zoology.
- Ph.D. in Zoology.
