Zoo Keeper
Zoos are perhaps the first area most people think of when referring to animal conservation. Working with--and taking care of--a wide range of animals is, after all, what zoos are all about. Zoos exist to not only help to perpetuate differing species of animals but to also educate people of all ages about the many different types of animals which exist around the world.
One important duty of a zookeeper is the preparation of meals which provide a proper balanced diet. This can be challenging as some animals have very specific menu requirements. In addition to food preparation, there is feeding which can be necessary at all times of the day and night. Zookeepers are also charged with maintaining the living environment of the animals which includes routine cleaning.
Private Sector Lobbyist
Private sector animal conservation groups--such as the National Wildlife Federation and the Nature Conservancy--exist to aid in the fight for saving animals, the prevention of extinction and the preservation of animal habitat. Private groups are typically involved in fund raising, lobbying, funding, and promoting special projects aimed at preserving or restoring habitat. They may even obtain emergency funding for projects aimed at immediate help for certain species.
Although not as directly hands on as perhaps a zoo career, a lobbyist is still vitally important to the effort of animal conservation. Through lobby efforts in connection with state and federal legislators, bills for animal conservation are affected.
Educators
Teachers from kindergarten through high school plant the seeds of conservation and continue to educate and promote ideals through high school. From this, many students will embark on a path to move into conservation careers which will require more extensive training and education at the college and university levels. From the elementary school teacher who plans a special field trip to a conservation group headquarters to the professor in college who prepares the future animal conservation professionals, there is a great need for those who are passionate about animals in the teaching profession.
