Zoology is the scientific study of animals and animal behaviour. Zoologists study how animals live and how they adapt to their environment. They are also concerned with conservation, with studying diseases in animals and with investigating methods of controlling vermin and pests.
Zoologists usually specialise in one aspect of their subject, such as:
- entomology (insects)
- parasitology (internal and external parasites)
- ecology (the environment animals live in)
- ethology (animal behaviour)
- ichthyology (fish)
- mammalogy (mammals)
- ornithology (birds)
- herpetology (reptiles and amphibians)
- physiology (functions of animals).
They carry out research, which may involve studying animals in their natural habitat (field research) or in captivity. Some research is laboratory based. The results of research projects are presented at conferences and in scientific journals.
Many zoologists work in higher education, lecturing at universities and colleges and conducting research.
Some zoologists work in zoos, wildlife centres and safari parks. As curators, they oversee the care and distribution of animals within zoos, design educational programmes and obtain new animals, taking into account their individual zoo’s goals and budget. As zoo directors, they run zoos, carrying out managerial duties, as well as working with curators to determine the best ways to house the animals and maintain their habitats.
Zoologists also work for animal conservation organisations, where they may be involved in projects to release animals back into the wild. Other zoologists work for pharmaceutical companies, carrying out research into drugs to control vermin and parasites or developing veterinary medicines. Some zoologists work in museums, managing collections and/or conducting research.
All zoologists collaborate with other scientific staff. They may also work with employees and volunteers from conservation organisations, the public and representatives from government and industry.
Hours and environment
Hours vary from post to post. Zoologists working in research and higher education usually have normal working hours, from Monday to Friday, although they may work extra hours at busy times. Attendance at evening meetings may also be required. Zoologists in field research may have work schedules that fit in with the habits of the animals they are studying.
The environments in which zoologists work also vary. Some zoologists spend most of their time in laboratories. Those in higher education divide their time between lecture theatres and classrooms, laboratories and offices.
Field researchers can spend most of their time outdoors. They can work all over the world, and may have to cope with difficult climates and terrains.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
- Starting salaries may be around €25,000 to €30,000 a year.
- With experience, this may rise to between €30,000 and €35,000.
- Some senior zoologists may earn €50,000 a year or more.
Skills and personal qualities
A zoologist should:
- have good problem-solving skills
- have a logical mind
- be methodical
- be able to keep meticulous records of research projects
- be able to work in a team and alone
- have leadership skills to work with students, volunteers or junior staff
- have good communication skills to convey technical information to people with little or no scientific knowledge
- have a flexible approach to work and be able to prioritise tasks
- possess IT skills for analysing data, writing reports and presenting information.
Interests
It is important for a zoologist to have an interest in:
- biological science
- conservation and environmental issues.
Getting in
Zoologists are employed by universities, zoos, wildlife centres, safari parks, nature reserves and conservation organisations.There are also opportunities with pharmaceutical companies, environmental organisations, museums (and government departments.
Entry routes
Most zoologists have degrees. Relevant subjects include zoology, either as a single subject or as part of a joint degree, animal behaviour, animal biology, animal science, animal physiology, biological science, marine zoology, parasitology and virology.
Useful Links:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain And Ireland
National Parks and Wildlife Service