A professional who feeds, waters, and cleans quarters of animals and birds in zoo, circus, or menagerie. Respnsibilities include:

• Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds; or unbaling forage grasses.
• Adds vitamins or medication to food as prescribed by veterinarian.
• Fills water containers and places food in cages as specified.
• Cleans animals' quarters, using rake, water hose, and disinfectant.
• Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notifies animal keeper, head or veterinarian of findings.
• Transfers animals from one enclosure to another for purposes such as breeding, giving birth, rearrangement of exhibits, or shipping.
• Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified.
• Answers visitors' questions concerning animals' habits or zoo operations.
• Bathes and grooms animals as required.
• May assist veterinarian in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
• May assist animal trainer or instructor in presentation of programs, shows, or lectures.
• May assist maintenance staff in cleaning zoo facilities.
• May be designated according to animal cared for as Bear Keeper; Elephant Keeper; Monkey Keeper; or according to species as Bird Keeper; Mammal Keeper.
• May direct activities of other workers.