Almost any zoo is going to require employees to have specific degrees -- typically biology, zoology, veterinary assistance, or similar degree. Some may access a two year trades type degree -- tourism, customer services, etc. A few jobs, not specifically working with animals, might be fine without a degree -- garbage, gardening, maintenance, etc.

No Canadian company can or will hire any non-citizen unless they already possess a valid work permit. The moment they find out you do not possess a valid social insurance number... they'll get you to get lost or report you to Canadian Border Services Agency. Knowingly hiring a someone without a SIN is a serious tax violation and knowingly hiring an illegal worker subjects you to serious criminal charges.

In order to obtain a work permit in Canada, you must have an approved job offer from a Canadian company. That company must have obtained permission to hire foreign workers by obtaining a labour market opinion (LMO) report from HRSDC which shows a shortage of workers in that profession. That company must also submit proof that they advertised and no Canadians applied. No zoo in Canada is likely to get permission for zookeepers. Lots of Canadians would die for that job and there are countless Canadians with biology, zoology, and related degrees -- and typically experience working with animals (i.e. farms, ranches, shelters, etc.).

You do if you want to do anything more interesting than what you are doing now. Generally, a four-year degree will suffice, although a doctorate would help you rise to the rank of curator. OTOH, Roger Conant, who was director of the Philadelphia Zoo, had no college degree at all, except for an honorary after he became director. However, he had a list of publications as long as your arm.

Best thing to do is ask at the zoo you work at. They may take you on as a trainee and you can go to college part time. Most uni courses are 3 years. As Bazza says it is poorly paid, but if its what you want then go for it.

No. I am fairly sure they will take you on as a trainee. Poor pay though.

I study my college course on site at a zoo, and volunteer there for work experience once a week. I am 17 living in the UK. Will I need a degree in animal behaviour/ zoology ect to have a chance on working in a zoo as it is a tough business. Some keepers have a degree in animal behaviour at the zoo. If so, how long will i need to be at uni for??

Also, will zoos in the US/Canada take on keepers from britian (looking into the future) if they do not have a visa? As I know it is limited in the Uk

Thanks