Corrections – A Zookeeper’s Dream

Corrections – A Zookeeper’s Dream

There appear to be many analogous paths between a zookeeper and a correctional officer. Many may be insulted for the comparison but how often have your referred to the workplace as a “zoo” rather than a prison?  Looking at the job description of either the correctional officers (COS) or the Zookeeper we need to break it down to see what the job entails. Holding all things even, we must take the time to examine closely what each position does in relationship to where they work.

First off, both jobs requires working better than 40 hours a week as well as working overtime, weekends and holidays. Similarly both work with predatory and non-predatory species and have to divide the lethal from the non-lethal species to maintain a delicate balance of nature and keep each other safe. Regardless, in the end they work will all types of animals as COS work with all types of criminal offenders.  Zookeepers look after animals in zoos and safari parks as do correctional officers look after prisoners in different custody level facilities and locations.

To become a zookeeper, you will need to have confidence and patience when working with animals. You’ll need good observation skills. You’ll also need good 'people' skills. The same applies for COS working with offenders convicted of non-violent crimes as well as the very violent crimes such as homicides, kidnapping, rape, and aggravated assault with a weapon and many other felonies of the worst degree. Recognizing bizarre or unusual behaviors requires good observation and vigilance of the areas assigned.  

You may not need any particular qualifications to start work in a zoo however, some employers may expect you to have at least a GED or high school diploma or similar qualifications. You will need a driving license for work in wildlife and safari parks as you do in corrections to drive an official vehicle for perimeter patrol or transport inmates. The work assigned has many similarities.  Your tasks as a zookeeper would include:

·         preparing food and feeding animals or ensure they are fed or provided meals by delivery or escort to dining halls

·         providing fresh bedding and water or ensure adequate personal hygiene supplies and showers and recreation for those housed in restricted areas

·         cleaning out pens and cages or ensure they are cleaned according to housing rules for sanitation levels and compliance with housekeeping rules related to personal property etc.

·         checking for signs of distress, disease or injury in animals or ensure same for prisoners and report any unusual observations to supervisor and medical staff as warranted by custody levels

·         helping to care for sick animals under the direction of a vet or ensure care is available to medical staff and provide the opportunity to seek medical care or appointments as scheduled

·         checking enclosures, cages and barriers for signs of wear or damage or inspect security devices

·         answering visitors’ questions and sometimes giving talks or lectures or ensure compliance with rules and regulations as well as state or federal statutes

·         monitoring accommodation conditions, such as temperature and humidity or ensure temperature is regulated inside housing areas

·         keeping daily activities and observation or healthcare records, normally on a computer

·         You would usually work with one type of animal or in a particular section of the zoo or supervise or manage different custody levels at different prison units within a complex

As animals need to be looked after seven days a week, you will usually work on a shift system including weekends and bank holidays. Senior zookeepers may be on a call-out rotational schedule or list. You could spend a lot of time outside in all weathers, depending on the type of animal just like you would spend time out on work details located at various places or highway crews, manufacturing plants or landscape crews. My point is that prisons are much like zoos but in reality not at all like a zoo as there are higher levels of expectations to be adhered to and the propensity to be injured is higher due to the nature of the workplace. It is likely the public has no idea what a correctional officer really does but when you compare it to a zookeeper it begins to make some sense.

The difference of course is the management of people rather than animals although both are capable or known to be predatory and violent in nature at one time or another when in danger or when committing crimes that requires high risks behaviors and threat to human lives and injuries.

Zookeepers would certainly face a more complex situation when faced with persons rather than animals as there are compliance levels that need to be enforced and specific demeanor not allowed at any time and requires re-structuring behaviors through either negative or positive reinforcement methods including the use of incentive programs and self-improvement programs that aid in reforming behaviors and eventual release back into society.