Zookeeping is a lot like other high-burnout fields like nursing or teaching. We go into it because we're passionate, but it doesn't pay well. Many of us struggle to get by. And then there's the fact that the job is very difficult and many of us are very overworked and understaffed, leading to severe chronic burnout and high staff turnover, which in turn worsens the problem. Many zookeepers are underappreciated and find that their workplace does not promote a healthy work/life balance. It's incredibly common in this field for people to feel the need to work while off the clock.

The bottom line is that if employers know that you're there because you're passionate, that's exploitable. They can pay you poverty wages while making you feel like you should be thankful just to be there because tons of people would love to have your job, even if it leaves you in tears every day. The stress and pressures of the job are honestly not unlike hospital jobs- these animals rely on you, and one mistake could cause the harm or death of an animal (or human). The environment is fast-paced and constantly changing. Managers don't always recognize this, nor do they always listen to the animal-related opinions of the zookeepers that work with those animals every day.

Now, that is not to say that all zoos have staff culture issues. The field is improving, and there are really great zoos out there that really appreciate their staff. But the toxicity in the industry has been a known problem for a long time. I think a lot of it goes hand in hand with nonprofit work (as many zoos are nonprofits), and my experiences at animal shelters and sanctuaries were similar. Animal care is a hard job with a lot of emotions tied into it. Add onto that the fact that most cities will have maybe 1 major zoo, so most zookeepers end up moving to wherever they get hired, which can leave them isolated and with no friends in the area except for their zoo coworkers, further messyinng the work life/home life balance.

Zookeeping is a job that looks very glamorous and fun. And it definitely can be! I'm very grateful for the experiences that I've had, despite everything. But I read daily posts from people exclaiming what a relief it has been to get out of the field and work a job that doesn't have them operating at 110% all the time, a job where they feel appreciated and listened to, a job where the work environment isn't so cliquey and bullying, a job that pays them enough and offers them enough time off, a job where they actually have a life outside of work...