So you wanna be a zoo keeper when you grow up!

In honor of National Zoo Keeper Week, we thought you might want to know what it takes to be a zoo keeper. Let me tell you there is A LOT. A WHOLE LOT! But, thanks to the St. Louis Zoo we can tell you that if you're in Elementary School here are a few things you should do to get started on the right path. And the best part of this info, is that all this stuff is FUN! Okay maybe not the work hard in school part but hey, anything CAN be fun.

Go on nature hikes

Take trips to zoos, parks, and natural history museums.

Read books and magazines on wildlife and related topics.

Watch nature shows on TV.

Keep a pet. Taking care of a pets will teach you a lot about responsible animal care.

Join science clubs and volunteer to help with fieldwork projects in your community.

Observe wildlife and bring along field guides to help you better appreciate what you're seeing.

Keep a nature journal.

Take a class on animals or nature at your local zoo, animal sanctuary, or park.

Work hard in school, not just in classes on science and nature but in all subjects.