Unusual Animal Careers
A Series about Careers with Animals

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Unusual Animal Careers Part Eight
Animal Science Careers

Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part eight in an unusual animal career series. In this section you will learn about how animal science careers.

Research

Some positions within a zoological institution have an important effect on the lives of the animals, but the individuals who work in these positions don't always have much direct physical contact with them. Filled with people who have dedicated their lives to animals, these positions are near the top of the zoological career ladder. Although titles may vary across institutions, all individuals in this department are considered researchers.

A wide variety of information is gathered by researchers who study animals both in zoological parks and in the wild. Observing an animal's diet, breeding behavior, and social interactions with others of their species provides clues on how to meet all their needs in a zoological park. Studying animals in a zoological park, however, is often the best and sometimes the only way to observe and record behaviors that would be difficult or impossible to study in the wild, especially those of very rare or endangered wildlife. What researchers learn from animals in zoological parks plays an important role in creating and maintaining Species Survival Plans, and setting criteria for preserving habitats and ecosystems.

Field Biologist, Research Biologist, Wildlife Biologist

These are the people who plan, conduct, and report the results of studies on animals. Some positions are in house, while others are in the field. They will often look at the specifics in unknown areas of the natural history/captive history of animals. This includes looking at herd dynamics, specific interactions, and will help determine optimum conditions for breeding and propagation, and infant rearing concerns. It may also include other functions such as determining territory, locating populations of plants or animals, and being out in the wilderness.

These roles are critical to physical and emotional health, care and management of the animals in captivity. These roles also contribute to and develop conservation programs that help protect species in their natural environments. Equipment maintenance, outdoor survival skills and knowledge and talent in the areas of tracking or telemetry are other good skills to have.

Educational needs are a Master's degree in wildlife sciences, biological sciences, fisheries, botany or related fields. Zoological research projects or field work experience is a plus. Wildlife biologists will spend long hours in a variety of conditions and terrain. Weather and very basic living accommodations are sometimes challenging.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

These positions are usually volunteer types, unless you start your own facility. These roles work heavily with the government agencies and veterinarians. Taking in a variety of animals, some animals are housed in temporary facilities while others are in larger, more established groups.

These animal caretaker roles are not usually interaction intensive. It is better for the animal if they are not. Some groups specialize in marine mammals but most deal with birds, especially raptors, or small mammals. Most of the work involves feeding, cleaning, and veterinary care.

Specialized training and certification in Wildlife Rehabilitation is required. Licensing varies according to your state of residence. For particulars contact your local Department of Fish & Game or Fish & Wildlife Office and read further into this series. Certifications in veterinary technology, parasitology, is an asset and other hands-on related training is critical. Fundraising and public relations are two other areas of skill that are necessary.

Unusual Animal Careers Part Nine: Education & Writing

About this animal career specialist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.