COMPANY: Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium
JOB DESCRIPTION: “Every day we have to clean the systems, take
care of the animals, feed them and fix any problems that come
up,” Chris says. “We’re kind of the Jack-and-Jill-of-all-trades.
”
TRAINING: Both Chris and Jeff studied marine biology at Texas
A&M University. “Ever since I was little I knew that’s what
I wanted to do,” Chris says. “My parents used to take me to
aquariums, and I thought it was fascinating.”
YEARS IN BUSINESS: Eleven years in the aquarium industry; three
years at the Wildlife World Zoo.
EQUIPMENT: Wet suits, scuba tanks, masks, flippers, etc.
SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS: “These guys are pretty docile, especially
the zebra sharks,” Chris says. “They’re kind of the puppy
dogs, I feel, of the shark world.”
DELIGHTS: “I love working with the animals, I mean, they’re so
much fun,” Chris says. “Even fish have personalities.” |
DANGERS: “Getting bit by any number of things is always
an ever-present danger. Falling is also a danger because
we’re on ladders a lot,” Jeff says. “And wet floors. It’s an
aquarium.”
GETTING BIT: Both Jeff and Chris have been bit by aquatic
animals, including small sharks, stingrays, puffer fish, eels
and piranhas. “The piranhas don’t hurt at all because their
teeth are so sharp,” Jeff says. “It took a perfect little chunk,
almost like a melon baller, out of my skin, almost down to
the bone.”
HOURS: “It’s long hours. We work 50 hours a week on paper,
just our normal schedules,” Jeff says. “But basically we’re
here until our jobs are done and the animals are cared for.
The animals don’t take holidays, weekends or nights off.”
SALARY: Marine aquarists make $44,200 to $52,000 a year,
according to marinecareers.net.
VISIT THE AQUARIUM: Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, 16501
W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park
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