Zoologist

Who is a Zoologist?

A zoologist is someone who researches the ancestry, genetics, illnesses, life cycle, and habits of animals. The expertise of a zoologist is essential for maintaining natural habitats, safeguarding endangered species, and regulating wildlife's adaptation to our ever-changing environment.

A zoologist can pursue many different career paths and can specialize in a wide range of areas. The fact that zoology is a highly vast science is not surprising given the fact that there are currently more than 1.3 million animal species known to exist.

How to become a Zoologist?

A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for employment as a zoologist. Think about pursuing a degree in wildlife and fisheries biology, wildlife conservation, captive wildlife care, or animal health and behavior. The entry-level zoologist education required for the job is a bachelor's degree in wildlife conservation, which normally takes four years to complete.

You should endeavor to get real-world experience through internships, summer work placements, or volunteer positions following graduation if you want to stand out in this field. Speak with nearby zoos or organizations that provide volunteer or internship opportunities. They are excellent primers on several branches of biology and how to communicate with animals. Additionally, networking with professionals may allow you to earn college credit.

A master's or doctorate is frequently required by employers. If your undergraduate institution has a graduate zoology program, inquire about it. If you're looking for zoology research and teaching chances, you might think about enrolling in a Ph.D. program. A master's degree typically requires 30 hours of fieldwork over two years. A Ph.D. program may need at least five years of academic training.

What does a Zoologist do?

One particular species or group of species may be the focus of a zoologist's career, or their work may be more broad-based. They have the option of studying animals in the wild or captivity in zoos and aquariums.

In zoos, zoologists take involved in the daily care of the animals. They will keep an eye on them and plan and carry out experimental research in either lab-like conditions or the open air. For zoo employees or tourists, a zoologist might also contribute to the creation of instructional materials. Others manage wildlife reserves, count animal populations, or research certain creatures' behavior.

There may be a misconception that zoologists are usually dealing with animals outside, but this isn't always the case. Many people research certain biological characteristics of animals in a lab setting. Others would work as professors at universities and colleges, where they would do research, teach, and produce journal articles or reports.

Scope of a Zoologist in India

A candidate with a master's degree in zoology has a wide range of opportunities. Zoologists are the only people who can comprehend animals and their behavioral patterns. They, therefore, have a wide range of professional alternatives. They can serve as veterinarians, forensic scientists, lab technicians, zoology academics, wildlife educators, conservationists, wildlife biologists, zoo curators, and animal behaviorists.

Key Skills

Soft skills are necessary for zoologists to flourish in their careers. Skills are the methods and knowledge you acquired from your college degree, volunteer or internship experiences, and practical work experience.

• Talents in communication
• Abilities to listen actively
• Computer expertise
• Time management
• Leadership qualities
• Ability to analyze
• Teamwork abilities

Employment sector & Top recruiters (Career opportunities)

• Zoological Survey Of India (ZSI)
• Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI)
• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
• Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)
• Ministry of Environment and Forests.
• Forest Department of State.

Pay scale of Zoologist

Based on six salaries, an entry-level zoologist with less than one year of experience may expect to make an average total salary of ₹ 3,00,000 (tips, bonuses, and overtime pay included). Based on 15 salaries, an early career zoologist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total income of ₹ 4,50,000.