How old do you have to be to work at a zoo?

Question

Matthew Zane · Accepted Answer

You have to be at least 18 years old to work at most zoos. However, the specific age you must be to work in a zoo may vary, depending on the particular county, state, or province where the facility is located. The area itself may also have laws and regulations that govern the working age requirements for zoos.

Certain positions at zoos will also require specific education, training, and experience in these areas:

Biology
Animal science
Work with animals
In addition, there might be states and areas where the required age to work in a zoo is either 17 or 18. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States specifically sets 16 as the minimum working age for minors that are performing non-agricultural work.

There can be exceptions and requirements for the working ages of minors and young adults in accordance with various types of industries and work. Certain states might have additional requirements that relate to the age you must be to work in a zoo.

Furthermore, certain zoos might have volunteer and internship programs that allow individuals under the age of 18 to "work" on a volunteer or unpaid status at the facility. However, for most paid positions, the hiring age to work at a zoo tends to be at least 18, and can even be higher by default, due to requirements on:
Licenses
Certifications
Experience
For the best information, you should reach out to the specific zoo you are seeking employment with or get information from your local labor department to figure out the minimum age you must be to work in the facility. One final note, certain zoos will have their own individual policies on this matter and so requirements will vary.