ZOO:
"Zoo" means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and may include a circus and rescue centers.
ZOO STAFF:
Individuals, who care for animals in zoological parks or aquariums, are called as “Zoo-Staff”.Zoo staff offers an opportunity in the specialized and demanding profession of maintaining captive exotic animals for conservation, research, public education and recreation.Zoo staff cares for a diverse collection of animals from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians to fish and invertebrates. Some keepers become highly specialized, such as those who work in animal hospitals or who concentrate on a specific group of animals such as exotic birds, great apes, elephants or reptiles.
MEMBERS OF ZOO-STAFF:
Following are the positions at which members of staff in zoos and aquariums provide their everyday jobs; and a brief description of their duties. Not all positions are found in all zoos, and responsibilities may vary in different conditions.
1. Director/Chief Operating Officer: Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. He is responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development. He may also be defined as the “Head Authority”, at the zoo.
2. Assistant Director: Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence. Helps in the routine tasks of the director or may even report about the matters, being operated in the department.
3. Finance Manager: Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
4. General Curator: Oversees the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. He is responsible for strategic collection planning.
5. Animal Curator: Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection. He may manage a specific category of animals in which he has to show his efficiency and full ability; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.
6. Veterinarian: A veterinarian is responsible for the health care program for the animals and the maintenance of health records.
7. Veterinary Technician: Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
8. Registrar: Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
9. Director of Research: Supervises research projects, serves as link between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.
10. Director of Conservation: He oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. He serves as link with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.
11. Conservation Biologist/Zoologist: Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
12. Head Keeper: Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
13. Senior Keeper: Provides primary animal care for a department.
14. Keeper/Aquarist: Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
15. Operations Director: Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment. He supervises the daily activities of the zoo.
16. Curator of Exhibits: Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics. May also give guidance in the matter of designing, style and arrangements of benches, stalls, paths etc.
17. Curator of Horticulture: Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
18. Curator of Education: Plans and implements the institution's education programs.
19. Public Relations Manager: Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media. He may also assign sign boards, banners and other advertising activities even in the zoo. Deals with the problems and complains from the public during their visit at zoo.
20. Development Officer: Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
21. Marketing Director: Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
22. Special Events Coordinator: Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
23. Membership Director: Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. He may also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.
24. Shops Manager: Manages staff and all aspects of shops and canteens, from buying products to designing shops.
25. Visitor Services Manager: Supervises the staff and facilities that are provided to the visiting public; including concessions and restrooms.
26. Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. He may also stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
27. Docent Volunteer: Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.
28. Junior Keeper: Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are; often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZOO-STAFF:
For the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the routine activities of a zoological park, each of the members of the zoo staff should contributes to future development and improvements to the zoo. They should communicate with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies. So that; best service can be provided to the animals, visitors and as well as to the other members of the staff. For that; zoo staff should be:
1. Responsibly communicate effectively both orally and in writing with subordinates, staff members, and the general public.
2. Knowledge of principals and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.
3. Ability to effectively use the Animal Record Keeping System (ARKS) and Single Population Animal Record Keeping System (SPARKS) animal record keeping systems. Ability to use computer processing and electronic mail systems.
4. Ability to be able to communicate effectively with all Zoo Sections, other Divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, other City Departments, and other zoological facilities and colleagues.
5. Must have the ability to make decisions concerning animal husbandry standards and have the ability to communicate and coordinate veterinary activities with veterinarians.
6. Possess in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the zoo and to actively participate in them.
7. Ability to oversee the day-to-day operation of the physical plant of the zoo and coordinate all work requests and projects with the maintenance department while considering budget constraints.
8. Possess knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.
9. Ability to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.
10. Ability to operate high-powered firearms and tranquilizing equipment.
11. Serve as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty in absence of any other staff member.
12. Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.
13. Basic understanding of the transmission and prevention of zoonotic disease.
14. Manages the institution's finances, payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
15. Oversee the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff.
16. Maintain computer records on the animal collection and apply for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
17. Supervise research projects, provide a link between the institution and the academic community, and publish articles in scientific journals.
18. To oversee the institution's conservation activities.
19. Provide scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assist in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
20. Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
21. Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.
22. Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
23. Plan and implement the institution's education programs.
24. Promote the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.
25. Develop and manage fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
26. Create advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
27. Develop and implement events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
28. Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only.
29. Manage staff and all aspects of shops and canteens.
30. Recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers. Also to stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
OTHER ABILITIES:
Beside these responsibilities, each and every member of staff should also have following abilities. So that, in case of any emergency any one can manage the matter on the spot; without losing any time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Must possess knowledge of modern zoo, animal and personnel management. The ability to manage the day to day operation of the physical plant of a zoological park including contractual services, communication between city divisions and departments and the understanding of federal, state and local regulations. The ability to use computers and to communicate effectively in written form. Must possess skills to speak effectively to staff, media, public and civic groups. Must possess the organizational skills to maintain high standards of operation in a job requiring a myriad of skills. Possession a valid Driver's License.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
Ø Some years progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.
Ø Bachelor's degree in related field. Training in one or more related schools.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
Ø Computer processing and records keeping.
Ø Electronic mail systems
Ø Knowledge of routine processes and organizational structure.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ø Experience working in or with zoo conservation organizations, Species Survival Plans, Fauna Interest Groups.
Ø Ability to communicate, formulate plans and compromise with staff members from different departments.
MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED:
Members should have an exposure to the following:
Ø Firearms/tranquilizing equipment
Ø Printers
Ø Motor vehicles
Ø Copiers
Ø Animal restraint devices
Ø Egg incubators
Ø Computer
Ø Calculator
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ø Ability to be able to handle/direct emergency situations to include: weather, animal escape, animal injury/illness, zoo guest injury/illness or burglary/robbery.
Ø Ability to be able to cope with potentially irate and/or defensive zoo guests.
Ø Ability to be able to exercise independent judgment in a wide variety of situations.
Ø On occasion must be able to work outdoors in weather extremes.
CONCLUSION:
Simply;Zoo management needs highly responsible and efficient staff. Which should be active 24 hrs a day & should remain ready for any emergency matter, at any time.
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