From the Facebook group "Zookeeper Problems" - thankfully this hasn't been what I've experienced, but I acknowledge that I've been lucky/privileged/whatever you want to call it compared to many of my coworkers. Having the best animal care possible starts with having the best staff... and keeping them. It's hard to be your best keeper when you're pulled between two or three jobs or are constantly stressed about rent. I've worked at some decently paying places, but I know there are many zookeepers out there working for pocket change. It becomes sad to see so many promising folks pushed out of the field because they have to choose between their passion and making a livelihood.
color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">"Sometimes the most difficult zookeeper problem... is not being a zookeeper anymore. We may not do our job for the money, but no amount of passion can pay the rent or put food on the table for your family. We shouldn’t have to have second jobs or side hustles to survive, especially when zookeeping is a career that demands so much of our time and energy. Zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and all zoological institutions should pay a living, thriving wage "
No comments:
Post a Comment