zoo curator

Description

Zoo curators are usually the position of middle-management within an institution. Much of their work involves oversight, management and development of the animal collection. Often this is related to animal husbandry and welfare policy, the acquisition and disposition of zoo animals, and development of new exhibits. Zoos normally acquire animals through captive breeding programs. The zoo collection, trade, and transport of the animals is regulated by government agencies as well as guided by zoo membership organisations. Consequently, zoo curators act as a liaison between these agencies and the zoo itself. Additionally, they play an active role in the administration of zoo functions and all kinds of captive breeding programs.

EssentialOptional

Theoretical Knowledge

animal breeding programmes environmental legislation budgetary principles animal evolution anatomy of animals animal acquisition physiology of animals zoo regulations recreation activities applied zoology corporate social responsibility animal welfare legislation zoo exhibit design animal transport regulations

Practical Skills

maintain professional records fix meetings work effectively with animal-related organisations manage logistics organise zoological exhibitions ensure health and safety of staff read zoo reports manage supplies speak different languages oversee animal management promote recreation activities manage zoo staff develop zoonotic disease control policies chair a meeting ensure health and safety of visitors follow company standards liaise with local authorities perform project management manage staff develop recreation programmes schedule recreation facilities maintain catalogue collection establish daily priorities advise on animal purchase set organisational policies manage budgets administer treatment to animals manage teamwork coordinate events supervise daily information operations manage recreational facility represent the organisation assess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work together analyse transportation costs solve operational transport problems study a collection prepare transportation routes liaise with transportation companies speak about your work in public coordinate import transportation activities coordinate export transportation activities breed reptiles create safe working protocols