Animal keepers/ aquarists (keepers) are the people responsible for the direct care of collection animals every day. This includes feeding, training, cleaning enclosures and providing enrichment. Exotic animals are often stoic and signs that they are ill or injured can be very subtle. A good keeper also gets to know their animals so well that they can pick up on the smallest shift in behavior or the tiniest physical indication of injury or illness. At some zoos, keepers work with specific animal species and at some zoos keepers are “generalists” working with a wide variety of species daily. Most of the skills a zoo keeper or aquarist needs are learned by hands on training. However, taking courses in biology and chemistry (especially for aquarists) can be extremely helpful and contribute greatly to your success in this discipline.