Kid Territory:Jobs: Saving for the Future

Sophisticated equipment like this scanner helps geneticists analyze DNA samples from animals.

Genetics researchers examine animal tissue samples preserved in the Frozen Zoo.

A reproductive physiologist works in the lab, as well as directly with animals to learn more about what animals need to have babies. This giant panda cub was the result of artificial insemination performed by this scientist.

What we do

When you think of the Zoological Society of San Diego, what comes to mind? Probably the places you might visit: the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park. But the Society also has CRES, the department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species which does research here and throughout the world. As CRES scientists we work in a variety of disciplines, specializing in areas such as genetics, endocrinology, and reproductive physiology. We work with powerful microscopes and unique machines to study the DNA and individual genes of animals. We also look at chemicals from the body called hormones, and how they change and cycle in different types of animals. CRES even maintains a "Frozen Zoo," which contains skin and tissue samples from thousands of animals. The Frozen Zoo must be maintained, and new samples added to it from endangered and rare species. We also study these samples, and sometimes use eggs and sperm to artificially inseminate animals like cheetahs and pandas to help them have babies.

What’s cool about this job

Seeing the results of our research and teamwork with colleagues from all over the world is very satisfying. We can walk out into the Zoo or Wild Animal Park and see babies from rare and endangered species and know that our work is helping to make this happen. Some of us work to help animals return to the wild, too, like the California condor. We also enjoy both our direct contact with many of these animals, and then looking through the microscope at their cells.

Job challenges

There are several job challenges! We need to keep up with all the new scientific developments. It can also be hard trying to decide which animals need our help the most, and if it’s a reproductive problem, trying to find a way to solve that problem. And of course, money is always needed to fund these projects!

How this job helps animals

Our work gives conservationists and wildlife managers the tools they need to make decisions for helping populations of animals survive, both in zoos and in the wild. With information on genetics, we can determine who an animal’s parents were, or who that animal should be mated with, which is important to the SSP (Species Survival Plan) programs. By studying hormones, we can determine if an animal can have babies, and provide information about whether or not a female might be pregnant.

How to get a job like this

Read about animals, and volunteer in places like vet clinics, animal shelters, or wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Do well in school, concentrating on the biological sciences, including courses with labs, to see if this work is right for you. It helps to enjoy doing experiments with lab equipment, chemicals, and microscopes. Get involved in science and conservation by participating in field projects. As you prepare for your career path, try different areas of science to find out what your favorite is.