A tiger sniffs scent left by a cub.
Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventures here!
If you are in high school and unsure about what career path you want to take, don’t feel like you’re alone. I can assure you, many students are still exploring their options. There are so many job tracks in the world today. Decisions seem to multiply with each passing day. Choices seem to be infinite, but one career seemed to stand out for Matt Akel, and that was being a zoo Keeper. He now has the title of animal care supervisor with the San Diego Zoo.
Matt Akel was also hesitant about a career choice but quickly found his place once he realized just what he wanted. In high school, Mr. Akel discovered he wanted to become a marine biologist. He continued on this path in college, and then had an epiphany that led him to switch majors and pursue a career in zoo keeping. This new path led him to major in psychology and double minor in biology and English. For those who desire this same career, Mr. Akel has some valuable advice: begin volunteering now. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and grow stronger professionally. Mr. Akel did a substantial amount of professional and volunteer work prior to coming to the Zoo.
Mr. Akel’s volunteer experience began while in high school, at Parrot Jungle and Gardens in Florida, a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat, and botanical garden. This experience gave Mr. Akel his first inside look at a career in wildlife. By working with a group of other students and having the ability to have hands-on interaction with animals, Mr. Akel was allowed to experience different situations and circumstances that helped him later in his career. Once in college at the University of Miami, he put in extra hours with a marine mammal stranding team. This team was responsible for rescuing stranded marine mammals along Florida’s coast that had found their way to the shore, due to sickness or other problems. Before his position at the San Diego Zoo, he also worked at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas. It was at this zoo where he was able to learn fundamental skills and knowledge needed to get hired on at the San Diego Zoo as a keeper in 2002. He held that position for nine years, and during those years had the opportunity to work with animals like polar bears and primates. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Mr. Akel was promoted to animal care supervisor, where he manages several areas of the Lost Forest, which includes animals such as the Malayan tigers and hippopotamus. His previous work experience proved to be very valuable and had a positive impact on his career. If you desire to be a part of any zoo staff, it is greatly suggested that you start volunteering and get involved in some type of animal and/or wildlife organization so that you start acquiring a variety of work experience.
On a personal note, Mr. Akel had some vital information to share with anyone who is interested in a career like his. When it comes to college, make sure you explore multiple majors. In his opinion, when looking at colleges and the courses they offer, keep an eye out for biology, psychology, and zoology. Those majors will help provide you with options in a zoo keeping career. Two great colleges he specifically mentions looking into are Moorpark College in Ventura County, and University of California, Davis. Everyone spends a large amount of time researching the options of potential colleges, but if you are lost in the confusion of decisions, just remember what you want your life to mean. For example, one of Mr. Akel’s main goals is to promote and contribute to the conservation of endangered species. His career in a management role helps him accomplish this each day. Try to remember who you are and what you want during all the chaos, and strive for that. The road may even lead you to life as a zoo keeper!
Sierra, Careers Team (week 4)
Hi..
My name is Simone, I’m from Denmark. I have started my education as a Zookeeper. My education takes 3 years and 11 months. I have studied for 2 years now. Now I need a trainee place for the rest of the time. And I though maybe your Zoo could use me. I have visited your zoo last year on vacation and thought it was fantastic.
At the moment I’m working in a Zoo in Denmark. So i know what the work is all about. My future plans for my career, would to be to work in a foreign country and gain more experience with different animals.
I really hope you can help me, with an evt. e-mail or address, so I can send my application to San Diego zoo/safari park. Do you know who I have to talk with also?
Thank you for your time
Moderator’s note: For more information about job opportunities and internships, visit our Zoo Careers section.