Professional Herpetologists And Reptile Keepers Please Help…?
Posted by IT CommentatorSep 27
This Question is Posted in Reptiles and Higher Education, to maximize input. Thank you for reading.
I am a 25 year old 2 time college drop-out who manages a petrol station in Middle America. I discovered a love for reptiles when I adopted a 10 year old abused iguana named Spot during my 2nd try at University. Caring for him was a large portion of the reason for my 2nd drop out. Spot died gracefully draped over my shoulders where he liked to chill just over 3 years ago now.
In any case, I find myself in a position to return to University with much more purpose than I had before. I want to care for these animals that have such personality. I wonder about what degree paths to take and what Universities I should look at. I live in a college town with a stable income source right now, and so I’ll probably finish my undergrad here.
I’m thinking that a Zoology undergrad is the best choice before transferring somewhere for a Herpetology Masters (Bowling Green State University in Ohio is the only one I’ve found… help?) Animal Science might be another option, but at this school, AS is Farm animals, Cows and Horses. Just free-associating here, any thoughts would be appreciated.
And now to real questions…
What careers are available to those with Masters Degrees in Herpetology? Is Grad School worth the extra work?
Is an undergrad Zoology Degree a suitable credential for employment as a Reptile Keeper in a Zoo? What is the best strategy for breaking into Reptile Keeping?
Many thanks for your time. I recognize that my questions aren’t that well formed, please feel free to comment on anything you read.
I personally know a few actual herpetologists, and they all did their undergrad in Biology, I believe. One of them is a biology professor at a university, another is a zookeeper, and another is a professsional snake breeder, Bob Clark. Jobs for someone with a degree in herpetology are very limited, and most people will be unable to find jobs utilizing their education. But yes, a college degree is almost a requirement to be a zookeeper. You can contact Dr. Neil Ford, who I am friends with as well as his son. He is a herpetologist and the biology professor at the University of Texas at Tyler. I can’t think of anyone who could better answer your questions and tell you what you need to know to get started on the right path. Here is his e-mail address: nford@uttyler.edu
I do not have a degree in Zoology or Herpetology … but you may want to go talk to some zoo reptile people and ask some questions. They might be able to help you get in contact w/ people or lead you to where to go.
Asking a herp/reptile vet may even be a good possible choice.
Best of luck to you!
You don’t say where you are in Middle America. On the chance that you are in Costa Rica, you might try the university there. The last time I checked (many years ago), the head of the department was Douglas Robinson, a herpetologist. He might have retired since then; he’s almost as old as I am. I no longer mark my age in years and have switched to geologic eras.
If you want to get ahead as a zoo-keeper, a bachelor’s in zoology is good; a master’s is better. Why don’t you write to the directors of a few zoos and ask for their opinions. They know better what they want than most of the folks here do.