There are several different kinds of careers in various fields that may be a good fit for someone wishing to become an exotic animal specialist. Exotic animals may include unusual, uncommon, or unique animals such as exotic zoo animals and wildlife.
An animal career working with exotic animals might mean working hands-on and caring for exotic animals. Perhaps as a vet, a zookeeper, or a wildlife conservation specialist.
Many people who wish to work with exotic animals wonder whether you need special training to do so. The answer varies based on what job role they desire. Many careers exist that enable you to work with exotic animals right away, whilst some may require specialised training.
Working with exotic animals that are typically found in zoos, will require extensive training. To be a Zookeeper, for example, you would need a Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma.
If you are an animal lover, then why not combine your passion with your career? Not only is working with animals a joyful and fulfilling experience, but you can also work closely with adorable and fascinating breeds.
What kind of careers are there working with exotic animals?
There is a huge number of careers available to those wishing to work with exotic animals. Ranging from paid employment to volunteer opportunities.
Exotic Animal Veterinarians
Exotic animal veterinarians specialise in working with exotic pets, such as tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals. Although, these vets can also work with a range of zoo animals. Their main responsibility is to treat and care for sick or injured animals. As well as doing regular preventative health care. Some job duties of an exotic animal vet may include
- Assessing animals’ conditions
- Administering vaccinations and medications
- Testing for diseases and conditions
- Treating wounds
- Performing surgery as required
Exotic Animal Veterinary Nurses
Their job role focused around tending to the animals that are currently in their care. On a day to day basis, they would:
- Handle the animals using force free methods
- Provide nursing care including monitoring and health checks, feeding, grooming, and walking animals (where appropriate)
- Administering treatments including injections, tablets, fluids, and blood transfusions
- Performing diagnostic tests, such as blood sampling, stool, urine analysis and x-rays
- Preparing animals or surgery, as well as performing procedures
- Monitoring anaesthesia
- Assisting co-working vets with operations
- Maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the practice
- Communicating with pet carers, building a rapport with them, and reassuring them about their animal’s treatments
- Educating pet carers on animal health, including appropriate nutrition
- Supporting student veterinary nurses undertaking their placements
Exotic Animals Trainer
Animal trainers work with various animals to teach them key survival kills and appropriate behaviour to improve their social skills, health and their wellbeing. Some exotic animal trainers work in settings like zoos. With exotic animals, like birds, training is usually for behavioural purposes. Animal trainers may be responsible for:
- Monitoring and observing behaviour
- Teaching animals’ hand or voice commands
- Exercising and feeding animals
- Checking animals for health issues
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study a variety of wildlife species and may be involved in research, education, or managing local wildlife. In terms of exotic animals, wildlife biologists are primarily responsible for studying the behaviour, biology, and habitats of a variety of exotic animals. Their main job duties consist of:
- Conduct census projects, research studies and complex data analysis
- Study ecosystems
- Work to save endangered species
- Evaluate the impact of commercial ventures of local exotic wildlife
- Write research papers, scientific reports, and scholarly articles to explain findings
- Present findings to academics and the general public
Zoologist
Highly similar to a wildlife biologist, a zoologist study exotic animals so they can learn more about these animals. As well as their habitats, ecosystems, and their interactions with humans. Their research is conducted through observations or experiments that allow them to gather biological data to analyse. Their job duties include:
- Monitoring animal populations
- Collecting specimens or other samples as needed
- Studying animal characteristics such as behaviour, disease, or reproduction
- Presenting findings to the public and scientific communities
Conservationist
Some exotic animals are the most endangered species in the world. With the diverse range of elements that can lead to destruction and extinction, there are many roles available that come under the field of conservation. Their day to day job duties include:
- Planning and conducting environmental studies to define problems and identify issues
- Conduct long-term monitoring of populations
- Study and evaluate strategies for using land without affecting the exotic wildlife who live there
- Provide technical advice to decision and policymakers
- Ensure the maintenance of ecological data as a basis for ecosystem management
- Locate funding for exotic animal research and conservation projects
Other Careers working with Exotic Animals
There will always be a career that piques your interest within the exotic animal sector. Some of the many other roles available include:
- Ecotourism
- Photography and filmmaking
- Community education programmes
- IT and website design
- Policy and advocacy
- Volunteer project organisation
- Marketing, communications, and advertising
What skills do you need to work with Exotic Animals?
As with most roles working with animals, there are certain character traits that people wishing to work with exotic animals need to have. These are made up of a variety of qualities, including but not limited to:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Passion for animal welfare
- Attention to detail, being observant and safety conscious
- Patience
- Enthusiasm
What should I study?
A broad range of skills is required to work within the Exotic Animal sector, although the majority of people can align their current skillset to make their desired career a reality. But the competition is fierce, so you would need to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
By investing time into alleviating your knowledge of exotic animals and all that surrounds them, you are displaying your passion for exotic animal welfare.
By completing an online distance learning course, you are upskilling in the relevant areas, kickstarting your journey to your desired career.
If exotic reptiles pique your interest, a Herpetology Diploma will deepen your understanding of the unique anatomy, behaviours and requirements for survival of different species.
If your interests exist underwater, a Marine Biology Diploma will teach you all about the sea and its complex ecosystem, the threats that are posed to marine life from human activities and theories on marine conservation.
A Zoology Diploma will provide you with the knowledge of the origins of animal life, how Zoologists classify animal species and also the understanding of the impact of environmental change on evolution.
Study Online
If you have a passion for animal welfare and any of the above careers indulges your interest, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help.
Study materials are entirely online and are available as soon as you enrol. Giving you the flexibility to fit your learning around your already established schedule, without having to sacrifice any current commitments.
There is an array of courses to choose from. From entirely online, to offering practical training. Courses are offered with flexible payment options and tutors on hand to support your learning.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. Offering many courses in animal care. Click the link below to view our animal course or check out our blog to learn more about distance learning.
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