Read the article about working as a zookeeper, and then answer the following questions. This month, we're looking at what a zookeeper does. Could this be the job for you? We interviewed Karin Dixon, who's been a zookeeper for 14 years, about her work. Karin's day starts early. 'There are many jobs to be done each morning, the most obvious of which is to feed and check the animals,' she says. 'But before this, all the zookeepers go to a meeting. It's always brief, but it's important as this is when everyone agrees who's doing what, and we're given relevant updates.' Karin then explains that although she spends parts of the day working alone, the ability to work in a team is essential. When Karin tells people what her job is, a common reaction is that she must have the best job in the world, because it just involves playing with animals all day. 'I can't argue with the first point, as I think zookeeping is a hugely rewarding career,' she comments. 'But the second couldn't be further from the truth. I don't know where they get the idea that there is very little hard work to do.' However, Karin says she enjoys all aspects of it, even working in the pouring rain. When asked what the highlights are for her, she says she loves giving talks to visitors, which of course means that a zookeeper needs to have excellent communication skills. 'But above all,' she admits, 'it's that no two days are ever the same.' I ask Karin to tell me more about her role. 'Each day, I spend time observing a particular group of animals. Sometimes they just stay out of sight, so you need patience! We have to count them, and check their health, so attention to detail is vital. And it's not just physical health - their mental health is important too.' She explains that hiding the animals' food is something she does, so they have to work out where it is. And while the animals are focusing on that, it's a great opportunity for the zookeeper to make some notes or clean up quickly. Altering the position of objects in their living areas is another trick to help keep animals in good shape mentally. The zoo where Karin currently works plays an important role in animal conservation - there are several endangered species there, and the zoo is involved in a breeding programme to increase their numbers. 'One of my favourites here is a small monkey called the cotton-top tamarin,' says Karin. 'It has got a huge personality for its small size. But it's the long hair on its head that people notice, and which explains why it's called what it is.' She then tells me that they are one of about 27000 species which are in danger of extinction, and that around 2000 individuals were left when they were last surveyed in their native Colombia in 2008. I ask Karin how easy it is to get a zookeeping job. She explains that it's good to get a qualification in a subject like biology or zoology, although in her case it was in genetics, after which she began doing medical research. At the same time, she was volunteering at her local zoo, and when a vacancy came up, she realised she was more interested in working with animals. She applied, and got the job. She points out that there's a lot of competition for this type of work: 'It's well worth getting work experience at a zoo or wildlife park if you're interested. It proves you have the willingness to learn, which is an essential requirement.' So, have you got what it takes? 1 What is the first thing that Karin has to do at the zoo each day? 2 What do many people believe about zookeeping which is actually not true? Give two details. . 3 What does Karin like most about her job? 4 How do zookeepers try to keep animals' minds active? Give two details. . 5 What gives the cotton-top tamarin its name? 6 How many cotton-top tamarins are estimated to live in the wild? 7 Which subject did Karin study at university?

Answer:

(go to a) meeting
Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 2 marks:
just (involves) playing with animals / (involves) playing with animals all day
little work
no (two) days the same
Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 2 marks: hiding (the animals') food altering the position of objects (in their living areas)
long hair on head
(around) 2000
genetics

Knowledge points:

Solution: