On Tuesday, May 12, 15 University of Florida students—ranging from sophomores to graduate students and representing majors such as biology, animal sciences, wildlife ecology and conservation, and sociology—participated in a Career Trek to ZooTampa and the UF Veterinary Hospital at the World Equestrian Center (WEC). This immersive experience gave students a closer look at the many career paths dedicated to animal care, conservation, and veterinary medicine.
Behind the Scenes at ZooTampa
The day began at ZooTampa, where students kicked off their visit with a guided ride through animal enclosures, including birds, okapi, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. Along the way, they learned about animal care practices, conservation efforts, and the important role zoos play in protecting wildlife.
Students then broke into small groups for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, offering a deeper look into specialized areas such as:
- Manatee rehabilitation
- Penguin habitat and care
- Animal hospital operations
- Nutrition and diet preparation
- Behavioral observation and research
These experiences highlighted the wide variety of roles required to support animal health and well-being, both behind the scenes and in public-facing spaces.
The visit continued with a panel discussion featuring zoo professionals, including animal care staff, a veterinarian, a director of guest engagement, animal curators, and a supervisor of behavioral research. Panelists shared insights into their career paths, daily responsibilities, and advice for students interested in the field.
A major theme that emerged: there are many ways to build a career working with animals, and paths are rarely linear. Students asked thoughtful questions and gained valuable perspective on how to navigate opportunities in zoos, conservation, and animal health.
Following the panel, students enjoyed lunch while continuing conversations with professionals, creating meaningful networking connections in a more informal setting.
Exploring Veterinary Careers at UF’s WEC Hospital
After departing ZooTampa, the group traveled to the UF Veterinary Hospital at the World Equestrian Center, where the focus shifted to careers in veterinary medicine and large animal care.
The visit began with a presentation from Rachel Keopsel, Director of Career Services for the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, who provided an overview of veterinary education pathways, admissions considerations, and key statistics to help students understand what it takes to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Next, Kelly Higgs-Rick, Assistant Director of the Equine and Large Animal Hospitals, highlighted the broad range of roles available within a veterinary hospital. Students learned about opportunities spanning:
- Administrative and operations roles
- Veterinary technicians and support staff
- Veterinarians and specialists
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the hospital, where students saw advanced equipment used in the evaluation and treatment of horses. This hands-on exposure helped bring classroom concepts to life and showcased the level of technology and teamwork involved in equine care.
Why This Trek Matters
From wildlife conservation to equine medicine, this Career Trek helped students connect their academic interests to real-world careers that improve animal health and welfare. By engaging with professionals, exploring facilities, and seeing day-to-day work environments firsthand, students gained a clearer understanding of the many pathways available within animal-focused fields.
Interested in future Career Treks? Explore upcoming opportunities and resources on https://careerhub.ufl.edu.
