32 Zookeeper Interview Questions & Answers
1. When have you given a suggestion on improving an exhibit? Was your suggestion well-received?
How to Answer
Have you ever presented an idea to your supervisor that you felt would improve animal care, or efficiency on the job? Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to present new thoughts and ideas in the workplace.
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Answer Example
"I had an idea recently on how we could improve water conservation in the penguin exhibit. I brought the idea to my supervisor who gave me the opportunity to present my idea. It was well received and the zoo is taking a closer look, with a team of engineers, on how they could make that happen."
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2. What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
Before your interview, do your research! Make sure you have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the website to make sure the answers are not obvious. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site! Think of questions that are relevant to the industry. Did you read something about their care for the environment or volunteering? What interests you most about their mission? Some of your questions may be asking for clarifications about something. Other questions might be delving deeper into something that interests you about their vision or their company culture. Put together a list of up to ten questions so that you are prepared!
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How do you train up staff, will I expect to be shadowing people?
Will I learn a section at a time or learn something new each day?
Is this more collaborative work or solo work?"
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3. Why do you want to work for us?
How to Answer
This question can be difficult because it requires you to know enough about the company to be impressed by what they do and what they have to offer. The only way to find out is by simply doing research. Review the company website first. If the company is more service or client focused, you can read reviews of customers and find out about their reputation. Sometimes you can even find articles or press releases to give you the low down on their latest accomplishments, innovations or company culture. Pinpoint the highlights. Know the company vision so that you can easily tell them, "I am impressed by your mission and I love how much of an impact you made on the local community." Sharing your knowledge about the latest news at their company is a great indicator that you have a vested interest and know what you are looking for in a company.
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Answer Example
"I am impressed by your mission and I love how much of an impact you made on the local community."
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4. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
We recommend selecting three words that truly define who you are, and the words have no possibility of being taken negatively. "Encouraging" is a great option. "Caring" is a good choice. "Respected" might be an appropriate choice. "Hard-working" is a commonly used choice. "Punctual" is great for those who are always a little early. "Customer service focused" is an excellent selection. Just be yourself, and remember to keep it positive!
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5. Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team.
How to Answer
The interviewer is hoping to hear about a time that you led that had a positive outcome. Think about the past few times you have led a team. Which one went the best, and what did you do on that team that made it so effective? This is your example! Start off by telling the interviewer about the reason for the team, who was involved, and what approach you took to leading the group. Give a high-level overview of what you discussed or what you did during the assignment that impacted the positive outcome. Finally, be sure to mention why you felt the team was a success!
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6. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you should be paid based on tenure, or results? Discuss this with the interviewer and back your answer with an example, if possible.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I feel that employees should be paid, and rewarded, based on their performance. A new employee would be greatly motivated through being rewarded for performance and it encourages a healthy competition with tenured employees."
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7. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations are to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000 and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
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8. Describe your three greatest accomplishments to date.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about your background by understanding your level of achievement in your career thus far. You most likely know your three greatest accomplishments, and if you are struggling to think through them, don't fret! Think about the times when you were given extra kudos in the workplace or when you received a special award. These make great examples too! Start off by giving the interviewer a 15-20 second overview of each accomplishment including how you achieved it and why it was important to you. Be sure to mention when the accomplishment was achieved and why it still stands out in your mind as one of your greatest accomplishments.
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I am also proud of how quickly I learned to engage with customers with weekly tours being a part of my job requirement and have given me a lot of charisma considering I used to be quite shy, and general knowledge about the animals we keep.
I am also proud of how well I achieved with my college course due to the disruption of COVID-19 and virtual learning being a new experience."
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9. Why is this job right for you at this time in your career?
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, and how this particular role fits well with the changes that you are seeking. Be sure to give a more in-depth answer than the typical "I am looking for growth" answer that so many interviewers hear. Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on the company.
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10. How does this position fit into your career goals?
How to Answer
Is this particular position a good fit? Is it a step up in your career or - a stagnant move that you are just complacent with taking until something better comes along? Assure the interviewer that this position will be challenging for you, is a step up in responsibilities, and that it fits with your overall career goals.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My primary goal in my career as an HR professional is to eventually work my way from an Administrator level to HR Partner. I feel that what your organization offers is a strong path towards those goals and I am excited about what this position has to offer."
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11. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
How to Answer
It's impossible to know where you will be in 5 years but do assure the interviewer that, given all possible circumstances, you could see yourself as a long term fit for their position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Ideally, 5 years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long term fit here."
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12. What is your favorite animal to care for?
How to Answer
Do you have a favorite animal to care for? Perhaps you are best experienced in the care of a particular animal? Discuss your preferences with the interviewer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite animal to care for has always been the penguin. Their intelligence and sense of community is amazing. It's a lot of fun to care for them."
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13. Have you ever had to deal with a serious sickness or injury of an animal in your zoo?
How to Answer
The unfortunate reality is that, even with the best care, animals will sometimes fall ill or experience injury. Discuss with the interviewer any experiences you have had with sick or injured animals.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have had to deal with sickness and injury in my career, in conjunction with a vet on site. Most recently we had a virus spreading around the elephant exhibit. After following the zoo protocol and administering the required medication, we were able to get the animals back to full health."
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14. Tell me about your post-secondary education. What was your most challenging course? Which course was your favorite?
How to Answer
Discuss your post-secondary experience in some detail, highlighting your biggest challenge and also bringing up your biggest achievements during that time.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I attended Michigan State University where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a major in Marine Biology. My most challenging course was Analysis of Biological Data as I am more of a creative, hands on thinker vs. a statistics person. My best course, which I completed top of the class, was Animal Behavior."
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15. Tell me about your education. How did it prepare you for this position?
How to Answer
Not all zookeeper positions will require a related degree. Talk to the interviewer about any related training or formal education that you have. If you have a post-secondary degree be sure to highlight what your best courses were and discuss any award or recognition that you may have received.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology and additional training in SCUBA. I studied very hard and graduated with a 3.6 GPA while also working part-time at our city zoo. My education prepared me very well and I feel that I am ready for a more hands on role."
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16. Tell me about some successful animal training programs you designed. What was the initial problem you wanted to solve, and did you?
How to Answer
As a zookeeper, have you had the opportunity to create a training program for the animals? Perhaps you have even created a program but you have not presented it to your superiors. Talk to the interviewer about any training related ideas you have had.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have not implemented any animal training programs at this stage of my career; however, I have spent time thinking about ways to improve the animal training programs in our zoo. In my spare time I draft up ideas that I feel would be helpful. I'd be happy to show them to you sometime."
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17. What has been your biggest professional win?
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you take great pride in your work by discussing a time in your career where you were were especially proud of your work.
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18. Have you ever mentored an apprentice zookeeper?
Answer Example
"Yes, I have mentored about 3 various apprentice zookeepers in my career. Every summer I have been given a new apprentice to work with. I quite enjoy it as it tests my own knowledge on topics I haven't necessarily revisited in awhile."
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19. How do you continue learning about animals now that you have completed college?
How to Answer
There are many great resources for Zookeepers to stay on top of trends and topics in animal care. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you continue educating yourself in your field.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I continually educate myself about animals through the many resources provided by AAZK (The American Association of Zoo Keepers). In addition to this resource, there are many other education tools available online that I visit on a regular basis."
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20. When have you worked in an environment where you had to get dirty, sweaty, etc.?
How to Answer
Being a Zookeeper can be a very dirty job.Assure the interviewer that you are absolutely okay with getting messy on the job.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have worked at our city's animal shelter for the past 3 years. The majority of the time I am cleaning up after dogs, cats, and bunnies. It's often a messy and smelly job but I don't mind at all because it makes the animals so happy. Rest assured, I can absolutely handle getting dirty on the job."
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21. Have you volunteered at our zoo before? If so, what was your experience like?
How to Answer
Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to a cause that you care about. If you have not volunteered at their zoo before, talk about other volunteer experience briefly and be sure to add in your knowledge of this particular zoo. If you have volunteered at their zoo discuss the positives of your experience.
If you have volunteered at their zoo: "I volunteered at your zoo last year during the grand opening of your new wildlife exhibits. I worked around the grounds doing general cleanup. It was a great way for me to get a feeling for the vibe here and I liked what I saw. It's a big reason why I am applying to work here."
If you have not volunteered at their zoo: "I volunteer with animals regularly, at my local animal shelter. I am passionate about animal care and, although I haven't volunteered with your particular zoo, I have great exposure to a variety of animals."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I volunteered at your zoo last year during the grand opening of your new wildlife exhibits. I worked around the grounds doing general cleanup. It was a great way for me to get a feeling for the vibe here and I liked what I saw. It's a big reason why I am applying to work here."
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22. In what ways do you enrich the animals lives?
How to Answer
This is a great time to show the interviewer how passionate you are about animal care. In which ways do you feel that you better the lives of the animals in your care?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I enrich the lives of the animals in many ways and, in turn, they enrich mine. I improve their quality of life through providing them with a safe, happy place to live where food is guaranteed and their medical needs are tended to immediately. I truly love and care for these creatures in my care."
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23. Why is it important to regularly measure an animals weight?
How to Answer
Most zoo's will have scheduled weigh-ins for the animals. Talk to the interviewer about why you feel this is an important practice.
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Answer Example
"Knowing the weight of an animal gives us very important information about their vital statistics. It assists us in understanding their dietary needs and how to best care for them."
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24. Why are you the best zookeeper for us?
How to Answer
What qualities do you possess that make you a stand-out candidate for this position? Convince the interviewer that you are the best choice by highlighting your most unique and strongest skills.
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Answer Example
"I am the best Zookeeper for you because I possess all of the experience you are looking for, and more. In addition to my Degree in Marine Biology, I also have a major in chemistry. I bring a full understanding of animal care and am SCUBA trained. Also, I have additional leadership and PR training which means I could very easily be in a customer and vendor facing role in the future."
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25. Have you ever been overloaded with work?
How to Answer
Work overload can happen from time to time. Talk to the interviewer about a time that you have been overloaded at work. How did you handle it, and what was the feedback from your supervisor?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Last month my relief zookeeper fell very ill and she went on short term disability. This increased my workload significantly even though my employer tried their best to have others fill in. I handled it all in stride, knowing that this wasn't a permanent situation. I did take breaks to avoid over-exhaustion and was able to get all of the required work done. My supervisor was very thankful and gave me a small bonus at the end of the month to show her appreciation."
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26. How do you get a peer or colleague to accept one of your ideas?
How to Answer
Have you ever had a great idea that a colleague or supervisor absolutely loved? Tell the interviewer about a time that you experienced the acceptance of one of your ideas.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Last year I made some recommendations to my peers and supervisor regarding a new and more robust composting system at the zoo. Everyone was really impressed with my concept and they implemented my idea slowly over a three month period. The composting system is still in place and working very well."
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27. Do you consider yourself an encourager? Give an example of a time when you helped others to be more enthusiastic in the workplace.
How to Answer
Working as a Zookeeper is a stressful position and emotions can run high. If you can be encouraging to your co-workers it will make your workplace much more enjoyable. Share with the interviewer how you have created an enthusiastic and encouraging environment in the workplace.
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Answer Example
"I am very active when it comes to encouraging my teammates and staff. Currently I oversee 2 summer interns and I definitely make sure to give them words of encouragement and constructive feedback whenever I can."
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28. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?
How to Answer
It is always a great idea to continually develop yourself professionally. This could include career related courses, leadership workshops or safety training. Tell the interviewer how you have developed yourself professionally in the recent years.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"This past year has been a big one for me in regards to professional development. My current employer has provided me with additional training when it comes to aquatic animals and I have taken two leadership workshops. Also, all of my safety tickets and certifications have been renewed."
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29. How do you stay on schedule with animal feeding, bathing and exercise routines? What gets top priority when scheduling your time?
How to Answer
Organization of priorities is key when you are caring for animals. Assure the interviewer that you are capable or prioritizing properly to ensure that safety is put first, and that you are being as productive as possible each day.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am sure to consistently stick to my given schedule unless there is an emergency. In my current position I begin with exhibit maintenance and then diet prep which includes weighing out the food and adding the necessary vitamins. Animal observation, and safety, is always priority."
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30. Tell me about a situation where you had to quickly adapt to inevitable changes as a Zookeeper.
How to Answer
As a Zookeeper, you will be exposed to constant change. Assure the interviewer that you can quickly adapt to the changes that come your way. Talk about a recent instance when adaptability was required of you.
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Answer Example
"In my most recent position we had a lot of turnover with management. It was difficult to learn the new preferences of my supervisors on such a frequent occasion but I was able to handle it well knowing that we all had the same end goal which was to ensure that the animals were properly cared for."
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31. Are you able to cope with stressful situations?
How to Answer
As a Zookeeper you will have stressful situations arise that will require you to think quickly and react appropriately. Discuss with the interviewer how you handle stress and pressure and give an example if you can.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I do work well under stressful situations. In my current position the most stressful situations are when an animal needs to be quarantined. During that time, I remain calm by strictly following the guidelines I am given. This keeps me focused and alleviates a lot of pressure."
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32. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?
How to Answer
What was your relationship like with your most recent supervisor? Assure the interviewer that you are able to take instruction well and that you show respect to your leaders in the workplace.
If you have not had difficulty with a supervisor: "My most recent supervisor and I had a strong work relationship and she will be willing to give you a strong reference on my behalf. We did not run into any difficulty while working together."
If you did have difficulty with a supervisor: "In my career I have had many different supervisors with an array of personalities. I did have one supervisor in the past who was not the type of leader that I would have chosen for myself. We disagreed on occasion but nothing severe enough to affect my work performance."
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Answer Example
"My most recent supervisor and I had a strong work relationship and she will be willing to give you a strong reference on my behalf. We did not run into any difficulty while working together."
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