Animal facility manager
Also known as: aquarium chief operating officer, zoo COO, zoo managing director, zoo chief operating officer, aquarium COO, aquarium CEO
About this occupation
Animal facility managers coordinate and plan all activities of a zoo. They formulate policies, manage daily operations, and plan the use of materials and human resources. They are the driving force and public face of their institution. This often involves representing their institution on a national, regional and global scale and taking part in coordinated zoo activities.
Essential skills and knowledge
- speak different languages
- zoo community
- manage budgets
- manage zoo staff
- respond to visitor complaints
- implement strategic management
- apply strategic thinking
- zoo exhibit design
- oversee animal management
- perform project management
- organise zoological exhibitions
- manage work
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Managers, All Other (O*NET 11-9199.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$141,900 a year (2025), 622,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.