I want to work with animals, but...

[triceratops]

I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing this.

I know there are, at least, a few different careers involving work with animals. I'd like to work with the wilder animals, such as elephants or lions, in particular. I don't exactly want to become a vet, and I know zoology is an option.

I'm eighteen and I've just graduated from high school. For a while I was planning on going to an art school for interior design, but I'd be much happier working with animals. And now I'm sort of lost.

I also don't know what I'd need to be able to become a zoologist. I've only taken the COMPASS exam, not the SATs or ACTs. I didn't have the best grades in school but they were passable. I'm interested in taking classes online, so I'm wondering if that would be possible. I'd really like to know if there's anyone/anywhere I could call or a website I could visit online for help.

What could I do?

[CheekyChops]

To become a zoologist, you are going to need A levels and a degree which you won't be able to do online - unless you go via the OU which could take years.

Have a look here for some info on working with Animals...

http://www.biaza.org.uk/public/pages/jobs/anim als.asp

[another-view]

My brother wanted to work with animals. He became a butcher.

[CheekyChops]

Just realised that you may be in the US in which case the info I gave may not be relevant. Try Googling 'become a zoologist'.

[MWB]

LMFAO, another-view.

Just lol.

[swedeheart]

triceratops, a suggestion: Go over to Animals&Nature as well and sort of point the good people of that topic in this direction by posting a link to THIS post.

Oh and good luck!

[padanarm]

Working with animals is a bit vague. It could mean anything from being a vet to educational talks in a childrens farm. Be realistic - there are very few paid jobs being a wildlife presenter on TV.

What do you really want to do?

The London Zoo site has some information about they types of training they offer. Perhaps you have a local zoo or wildlife park that offers something similar?

Alternatively, if you're interested in smaller animals contact your local animal rescue centre (pets, cats, dogs, horses or RSPCA). They're always looking for helpers. That'll give you the chance to see if you are suited to this type of work.

Good luck.

[Mr Veritas]

Although some of these sites are not taking people,they are worth coming back to in case they have vacancies.

http://www.longleat.co.uk/recruitment.html

http://www.zsl.org/info/jobs/

Some of these may offer jobs/volunteering:~
http://www.safaripark.co.uk/Parksinfo/index.as p

http://www.zoos-uk.com/Indexes/Types.html


Good Luck!