Zoo Keeper Interview Questions
Tell us about your self. - Answer-Go over resume
What specifically about working at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is driving you to
apply for this role? - Answer-My dedication to Trek and my commitment to the Trek
team are my primary reasons for applying for this role. Treks mission aligns with my
mission as a keeper and conservationist. Connecting people to nature is something I
strive for everyday and I enjoy educating others on the importance of native wildlife.
I have had the privilege of working with an incredibly talented and diverse team who
all share common goals, and support each other both personally and professionally.
Coming to work every day knowing that I am surrounded by individuals who I can
depend on and want me to succeed is something that's hard to find. My managers
strive to support my growth professionally and make it a priority to establish a
work/life balance.
How do you prioritize your workday? - Answer-When I come in in the morning I start
by reviewing notes from days before if I've just come off a weekend or writing up my
notes from the previous day or record keeping in ZIMS. I then like to come up with a
plan for the day with my team. I then move on to morning husbandry routines. I do
headcounts of the animals and check for any potential changes with them or their
exh. I feed diets, administer medications, create enrichment if needed and fit in some
training sessions if time allows. In the afternoon I meet again with my team to check
in and then work on any projects or other tasks we may decide on. Sometimes I will
have a keeper chat in the afternoons before starting nightly husbandry routines.
What if you overhear visitors complaining that they can't see any animals? What do
you do? - Answer-I typically start off by telling people that the majority of our animals
are nocturnal and it is natural for them to sleep during the day. So typically if they
come back to that animals exh at a later time they may be able to see them while
they are active. I also like to explain that we give our animals spaces that they can
go to if they need privacy. In addition, I will let visitors know about scheduled
programs or possible feeding times for that animal.
What do you feel are some of the most important goals of a modern zoo? - Answer-
Conservation is the highest goal of a zoo, and this has many components. For
example, education is important for shaping public views of wildlife and wild places.
Also, research in zoos is important for conservation efforts in the field. Todays zoos
focus on habitats and ecosystems and must become gateways to the wild - and to
do this zoos must learn to engage, inspire, and empower the people they come in
contact with.
What is a conservation issue that you are most passionate about? - Answer-A
conservation issue that I am passionate about is the issue of white-nose syndrome in
bats. This is something that I have personally been able to participate in. In the past I
participated in bat counts here at NW trek and as an member of AAZK assist in
selling bat boxes for bat conservation. There are many misconceptions about bats,
but I enjoy educating the public about why it is important to have them around. I
, always make sure to tell people about how easy it is to spread white nose syndrome
just by simply wearing the same shoes if you came from an area that is infected. I
like to get the public excited about having bats in their back yard and let them know
how great they are for insect control.
What do you think some of the responsibilities of a zookeeper are? Look over job
description. - Answer-The primary responsibility of zookeepers is the husbandry and
care of animals. This would involve the cleaning of exhibits and enclosures,
preparing diets, administering medications, taking an active role in enrichment and
training. Being a zookeeper is also a very physical job requiring people to be on their
feet for long periods of time, heavy lifting, and working in a variety of weather
conditions. It would involve, at times, participating in the design of enclosures, as
well as interacting with and educating the public on issues of conservation.
What is your experience with education? - Answer-At Trek I have the opportunity to
do daily keeper chats with the public. I get to educate visitors on the animals
personal and natural history and their ecological importance. During my 3 years
caring for raptors I had the opportunity to do educational presentations to a variety of
groups in the community. I have also been a substitute teacher for the last two years
and teach grades k-12. This has given me the ability to tailor my education message
to various age groups.
What would you do if you found a lock unlocked? - Answer-1. The first thing I would
do is to quickly look over the scene to determine if any animals are unaccounted for
or are where they don't belong, as well as to determine my own safety and whether
or not I need to begin an emergency response.
2. I would make sure that no one else is in the area or in the exhibit
3. I would then secure the lock
4. I would report it to my supervisor and fellow full time keepers (If appropriate).
How do you handle conflict between coworkers? Example? - Answer-The best way
is to communicate with that person in a professional and calm manner. I always try
to be open minded. If possible I will always try to come to a solution first with that
coworker. If this doesn't work and I feel it's necessary, then I'll go to my supervisor. I
always do my best to keep relationships positive no matter what my feelings may be
towards that person in order to avoid any problems to begin with.
How do you feel about euthanasia for population control or otherwise? Difference
between euthanasia and culling? - Answer-If the animal management team agrees
that euthanasia is needed for population control then I would trust that judgement.
This is needed at times when dealing with herd animals. If a herd is too large the
availability of care for those animals may suffer. By using euthanasia this scenario
can be avoided.
Euthanasia is not something that should be taken lightly, but I believe if an animals
quality of life is at stake and there are no further options for that animal it is our
responsibility as animal caretakers to make the decision to end that animals life in
the most humane way possible.
Euthanasia: The hastening of death to prevent further suffering.
Culling: Reduction of a wild animal population by selective slaughter.
Tell us about your self. - Answer-Go over resume
What specifically about working at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is driving you to
apply for this role? - Answer-My dedication to Trek and my commitment to the Trek
team are my primary reasons for applying for this role. Treks mission aligns with my
mission as a keeper and conservationist. Connecting people to nature is something I
strive for everyday and I enjoy educating others on the importance of native wildlife.
I have had the privilege of working with an incredibly talented and diverse team who
all share common goals, and support each other both personally and professionally.
Coming to work every day knowing that I am surrounded by individuals who I can
depend on and want me to succeed is something that's hard to find. My managers
strive to support my growth professionally and make it a priority to establish a
work/life balance.
How do you prioritize your workday? - Answer-When I come in in the morning I start
by reviewing notes from days before if I've just come off a weekend or writing up my
notes from the previous day or record keeping in ZIMS. I then like to come up with a
plan for the day with my team. I then move on to morning husbandry routines. I do
headcounts of the animals and check for any potential changes with them or their
exh. I feed diets, administer medications, create enrichment if needed and fit in some
training sessions if time allows. In the afternoon I meet again with my team to check
in and then work on any projects or other tasks we may decide on. Sometimes I will
have a keeper chat in the afternoons before starting nightly husbandry routines.
What if you overhear visitors complaining that they can't see any animals? What do
you do? - Answer-I typically start off by telling people that the majority of our animals
are nocturnal and it is natural for them to sleep during the day. So typically if they
come back to that animals exh at a later time they may be able to see them while
they are active. I also like to explain that we give our animals spaces that they can
go to if they need privacy. In addition, I will let visitors know about scheduled
programs or possible feeding times for that animal.
What do you feel are some of the most important goals of a modern zoo? - Answer-
Conservation is the highest goal of a zoo, and this has many components. For
example, education is important for shaping public views of wildlife and wild places.
Also, research in zoos is important for conservation efforts in the field. Todays zoos
focus on habitats and ecosystems and must become gateways to the wild - and to
do this zoos must learn to engage, inspire, and empower the people they come in
contact with.
What is a conservation issue that you are most passionate about? - Answer-A
conservation issue that I am passionate about is the issue of white-nose syndrome in
bats. This is something that I have personally been able to participate in. In the past I
participated in bat counts here at NW trek and as an member of AAZK assist in
selling bat boxes for bat conservation. There are many misconceptions about bats,
but I enjoy educating the public about why it is important to have them around. I
, always make sure to tell people about how easy it is to spread white nose syndrome
just by simply wearing the same shoes if you came from an area that is infected. I
like to get the public excited about having bats in their back yard and let them know
how great they are for insect control.
What do you think some of the responsibilities of a zookeeper are? Look over job
description. - Answer-The primary responsibility of zookeepers is the husbandry and
care of animals. This would involve the cleaning of exhibits and enclosures,
preparing diets, administering medications, taking an active role in enrichment and
training. Being a zookeeper is also a very physical job requiring people to be on their
feet for long periods of time, heavy lifting, and working in a variety of weather
conditions. It would involve, at times, participating in the design of enclosures, as
well as interacting with and educating the public on issues of conservation.
What is your experience with education? - Answer-At Trek I have the opportunity to
do daily keeper chats with the public. I get to educate visitors on the animals
personal and natural history and their ecological importance. During my 3 years
caring for raptors I had the opportunity to do educational presentations to a variety of
groups in the community. I have also been a substitute teacher for the last two years
and teach grades k-12. This has given me the ability to tailor my education message
to various age groups.
What would you do if you found a lock unlocked? - Answer-1. The first thing I would
do is to quickly look over the scene to determine if any animals are unaccounted for
or are where they don't belong, as well as to determine my own safety and whether
or not I need to begin an emergency response.
2. I would make sure that no one else is in the area or in the exhibit
3. I would then secure the lock
4. I would report it to my supervisor and fellow full time keepers (If appropriate).
How do you handle conflict between coworkers? Example? - Answer-The best way
is to communicate with that person in a professional and calm manner. I always try
to be open minded. If possible I will always try to come to a solution first with that
coworker. If this doesn't work and I feel it's necessary, then I'll go to my supervisor. I
always do my best to keep relationships positive no matter what my feelings may be
towards that person in order to avoid any problems to begin with.
How do you feel about euthanasia for population control or otherwise? Difference
between euthanasia and culling? - Answer-If the animal management team agrees
that euthanasia is needed for population control then I would trust that judgement.
This is needed at times when dealing with herd animals. If a herd is too large the
availability of care for those animals may suffer. By using euthanasia this scenario
can be avoided.
Euthanasia is not something that should be taken lightly, but I believe if an animals
quality of life is at stake and there are no further options for that animal it is our
responsibility as animal caretakers to make the decision to end that animals life in
the most humane way possible.
Euthanasia: The hastening of death to prevent further suffering.
Culling: Reduction of a wild animal population by selective slaughter.
