Exotic Animal Handler Job Description [Updated for 2025]

exotic animal handler job description

In the unique world of animal care, the focus on exotic animal handlers has never been stronger.

As our understanding of these remarkable creatures deepens, the demand for skilled professionals who can interact, care, and ensure their well-being grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an exotic animal handler?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to decipher the core of this role,
  • A hiring manager formulating the ideal candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the world of exotic animal handling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable exotic animal handler job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Exotic Animal Handler Duties and Responsibilities

Exotic Animal Handlers work with a variety of unique and rare animals, providing them with care and ensuring their well-being.

This role requires a deep understanding of different animal species, their habitats, dietary needs, and behaviors, and the ability to react quickly in potentially dangerous situations.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

  • Provide daily care for a variety of exotic animals including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring health
  • Develop and implement animal care plans and dietary programs
  • Conduct regular health check-ups and coordinate with veterinarians for medical concerns
  • Ensure the safety and security of animals and their living environments
  • Train animals for educational presentations, while ensuring their well-being and comfort
  • Educate the public about different exotic animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts
  • Implement and uphold strict animal handling and safety protocols
  • Perform rescue operations for injured or endangered exotic animals
  • Assist with breeding programs and maintain accurate records of animal’s genetic histories
  • Work closely with wildlife conservation bodies and report any unusual behaviors or incidents

 

Exotic Animal Handler Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Exotic Animal Handler to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have a background in animal care, with a specific focus on exotic species such as reptiles, birds, and mammals.

As an Exotic Animal Handler, your responsibilities will include feeding and grooming the animals, monitoring their health, and maintaining their living environments.

You should also have strong communication skills, as you will be expected to educate visitors about the animals under your care.

 

Responsibilities

  • Care for, feed, and monitor the health of the exotic animals.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the animal habitats.
  • Monitor animal behavior and report any changes or concerns to the veterinarian.
  • Handle animals safely and correctly, according to established procedures.
  • Educate visitors about the animals and their behaviors, habitats, and conservation status.
  • Follow all regulations regarding the handling and care of exotic animals.
  • Participate in the planning and implementation of enrichment activities for the animals.
  • Assist in the capture and restraint of animals as required.

 

Qualifications

  • Proven work experience as an Exotic Animal Handler, Zookeeper, or similar role.
  • Knowledge of the care and handling of exotic animals.
  • Physical fitness and ability to lift heavy loads.
  • Patience and a love for animals.
  • Good observational skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • A degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Exotic Animal Handler
  • Work Environment: You will work primarily outdoors in various weather conditions, and you may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Animal Care Supervisor or Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Exotic Animal Handler Do?

Exotic Animal Handlers, also known as Zookeepers or Wildlife Handlers, typically work for zoos, wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, or research facilities.

They may also find employment in the film and television industry or at theme parks.

Exotic Animal Handlers are responsible for the direct care of a range of exotic animals, from reptiles and birds to large mammals.

They feed the animals, clean and maintain their habitats, monitor their health, and often assist in medical procedures.

They might also be involved in breeding programs for endangered species, and they regularly interact with veterinarians to ensure the animals’ health and well-being.

Exotic Animal Handlers might also design and implement enrichment programs to stimulate the animals’ physical and mental activity, replicating behaviors they would naturally exhibit in the wild.

Another crucial aspect of their job is to educate the public about the animals they work with and the importance of conservation.

This can involve conducting live animal presentations, answering questions from visitors, and even assisting in research and conservation projects.

In all of their duties, safety is paramount.

Exotic Animal Handlers must always be aware of the potential risks associated with working with different species and adhere strictly to safety protocols.

They also play a role in ensuring the safety of the animals and the public during interactions.

 

Exotic Animal Handler Qualifications and Skills

An Exotic Animal Handler should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to effectively care for, manage, and handle a wide variety of non-domesticated animals.

These can include:

  • A strong understanding of animal behavior, particularly the behaviors of exotic species, to anticipate and respond appropriately to their needs and actions.
  • Experience in handling, feeding, and caring for a variety of exotic animals, ensuring their health and well-being at all times.
  • Physical strength and stamina to handle larger and potentially aggressive animals, as well as the ability to react quickly to unpredictable situations.
  • Exceptional observation skills to monitor the animals’ health, behavior, and changes in environment, and to identify any potential issues.
  • Problem-solving skills to determine the best course of action in a potentially dangerous or high-stress situation.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with colleagues, veterinarians, and other animal professionals, as well as educating the public about the animals.
  • Patience and dedication, as working with exotic animals can often require a substantial amount of time and effort, particularly when training or rehabilitating them.
  • A degree in zoology, animal sciences, biology or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience with exotic animals.

 

Exotic Animal Handler Experience Requirements

Becoming an Exotic Animal Handler requires a significant amount of practical experience and theoretical knowledge about a wide variety of exotic animal species.

Entry-level exotic animal handlers often have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience working directly with animals.

This can be gained through volunteering, internships, or part-time work at zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal sanctuaries, or veterinary clinics.

It’s essential for exotic animal handlers to have a strong background in animal behavior, animal care, and safety procedures.

Candidates with a degree in zoology, animal science, biology, or a related field can provide a solid foundation for this role.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience usually have specialized knowledge in handling certain types of exotic animals such as reptiles, birds, or big cats.

They have also likely developed skills in animal training, enrichment, and veterinary care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are considered seasoned professionals.

They may have been in charge of overseeing the care and handling of various species of exotic animals in a zoo or similar setting.

At this stage, they may be ready for managerial roles or curator positions in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife reserves.

In addition to the hands-on experience, exotic animal handlers must also continually update their knowledge and skills through professional development courses and certifications to keep up with the latest best practices in animal care and handling.

 

Exotic Animal Handler Education and Training Requirements

Exotic Animal Handlers typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as zoology, animal science, or wildlife biology.

As part of their education, they will learn about the biology, behavior, and habitats of a wide variety of animal species, including those that are considered exotic or rare.

Hands-on experience is a crucial component of an Exotic Animal Handler’s training.

This might be gained through internships, volunteer work, or employment at animal shelters, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or veterinary clinics.

In addition to formal education, Exotic Animal Handlers require specific skills such as understanding animal behavior, excellent observation skills, physical stamina, and the ability to handle animals safely and calmly.

There are also certification programs available from organizations such as the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) that can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment and expertise in the field.

It’s worth noting that due to the unique and potentially dangerous nature of handling exotic animals, ongoing training is usually required to stay up-to-date with the latest handling techniques, safety protocols, and animal health issues.

 

Exotic Animal Handler Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Exotic Animal Handler is approximately $32,000 (USD) annually.

However, this can greatly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Exotic Animal Handler Job Description FAQs

What skills does an exotic animal handler need?

Exotic animal handlers need to have a deep understanding of animal behavior and care, particularly for the types of animals they are handling.

They also need physical stamina and quick reflexes as the job can be physically demanding and unpredictable.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary for educating the public and working with veterinary professionals.

Animal handlers also need to be detail-oriented to monitor animals for any signs of illness or distress.

 

Do exotic animal handlers need a degree?

A degree is not necessarily required, but having a bachelor’s degree in a field related to zoology, animal science, or biology could be beneficial.

Some handlers may also have professional certifications related to the handling and care of specific types of animals.

Practical experience, such as internships or volunteering in zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers, is often more important than formal education.

 

What should you look for in an exotic animal handler resume?

Experience working with animals, particularly the types of exotic animals your organization handles, should be the primary focus.

Look for experience in zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or similar environments.

Other important elements could include formal education in a relevant field, certification in animal handling or care, and any additional skills such as public speaking or first aid training.

 

What qualities make a good exotic animal handler?

Good exotic animal handlers have a deep passion for and knowledge of animals.

They should be patient, as building trust with animals can take time.

Physical fitness is also important due to the demands of handling animals.

Good handlers are also observant and detail-oriented, able to notice subtle signs of distress or illness in the animals they care for.

 

Is it difficult to hire exotic animal handlers?

Hiring exotic animal handlers can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job.

It requires a unique combination of skills, including practical experience with animals, physical fitness, and a willingness to work in potentially dangerous situations.

However, for those with a passion for animals and the necessary skills, it can be a highly rewarding profession.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the realities of being an exotic animal handler.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about playing with animals.

It’s about creating a safe and engaging environment for extraordinary creatures, one interaction at a time.

With our go-to exotic animal handler job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to take a leap into this thrilling profession.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every interaction with an animal is a step towards a more understanding world.

Let’s create that world. Together.

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