Is becoming a zoo endocrinologist right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a zoo endocrinologist is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a zoo endocrinologist or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Zoo Endocrinologist
If you’re passionate about animals and science, becoming a zoo endocrinologist can be a meaningful and exciting career. This role combines animal care, laboratory work, and conservation. Here are the steps to get started:
- Focus on Science in School: Take as many science courses as you can in high school, especially biology, chemistry, and environmental science. These subjects will help you understand how living organisms work and prepare you for more advanced studies later.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Enroll in a university program related to biology, zoology, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine. These programs teach you about animal anatomy, physiology, and behavior—important knowledge for studying hormones and health.
- Gain Animal Experience: Volunteer or get a job at a zoo, wildlife center, vet clinic, or animal shelter. This hands-on experience helps you learn how animals behave, how to collect samples safely, and how to work on a team that cares for animals.
- Pursue a Graduate Degree: Most zoo endocrinologists continue with a master’s or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or DVM). These programs include lab training, scientific research, and advanced classes in endocrinology, conservation biology, or veterinary medicine.
- Specialize in Endocrinology: Choose a research focus that involves animal hormones—such as stress in zoo animals or reproductive cycles in endangered species. This specialization sets you apart and prepares you for real-world work in zoos or research centers.
- Apply for Internships or Fellowships: Look for internships at zoos, wildlife conservation organizations, or university labs. These positions provide mentoring and hands-on training with experienced professionals in animal endocrinology.
- Build a Career in the Field: After gaining the necessary education and experience, apply for positions in zoos, research institutions, universities, or wildlife organizations. Keep learning through professional development, attending conferences, and joining networks in the zoo and animal science community.
Certifications
Specialized certifications and training can demonstrate your expertise in animal endocrinology and related fields, helping you stand out to potential employers. While certifications are not always required for zoo endocrinologists, the options below may support your professional development depending on your area of focus and career goals.
- Certified Wildlife Biologist® (CWB®): This certification is offered by The Wildlife Society and is designed for professionals working in wildlife biology, conservation, and research. To become certified, applicants must meet educational and experience requirements, and demonstrate a strong understanding of wildlife science and management principles. It is a widely respected credential in the field of wildlife and zoo-based research.
- Associate Wildlife Biologist® (AWB®): Also offered by The Wildlife Society, this certification is intended for early-career professionals who meet academic requirements but have not yet accumulated the full experience needed for CWB® status. It shows a commitment to professional standards in wildlife biology, which can include hormone-related research.
- Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW): This is a veterinary specialty certification for professionals who focus on the health and welfare of animals in captivity and research settings. While not specific to endocrinology, it demonstrates expertise in animal welfare science and is earned through advanced training, a board exam, and veterinary licensure.
- Zoo and Wildlife Endocrinology Course (Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation): This intensive course, occasionally offered by the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, provides in-depth training in endocrine monitoring techniques for wildlife species. Topics include hormone assay validation, sample processing, and interpretation of hormone data for zoo and field applications.
- Animal Endocrinology Workshops (Lincoln Park Zoo & partner institutions): These occasional training events, sometimes hosted by zoo research departments or conservation labs, offer hands-on experience in hormone extraction, analysis, and non-invasive sampling. Participation helps build lab and field skills specific to zoo endocrinology.
- AZA Professional Development Programs: While the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) does not list a specific endocrine course, it offers regular workshops and training in conservation science, animal welfare, and research techniques. Some programs may include modules or sessions on hormone monitoring and reproductive biology, especially in collaboration with research institutions.