It's a blessing when you have found your calling and know exactly what you want to do. It's even more exciting when you get the opportunity to practice your craft day in and day out. Most people who go into this field knew at a very young age that they wanted to work with animals. They started out with a passion for animals, and that passion grew as they learned more about animals. For the majority of people in this industry, the science of it has become equally as important as the concern for animals. Combing science with care makes perfect sense.

Animal caretakers often possess certain personality traits. They must be adaptable to different situations. They must be friendly and patient, and have a good sense of humor. Being able to laugh at certain situations not only makes the job more fun, it lessens the stress that can sometimes come with the job.

There also is a lot of excitement in this field. It's thrilling to be on the cutting edge of research or to connect with an animal. “Scientific discoveries are being made all the time, and finding ways to use the new techniques will provide an opportunity for someone,” says Ronda Hamm, an entomology student at Cornell University. “For example, you can learn a lot about an animal based on genetics. It might be something in the genetics that can be used to help a species or eliminate a problem they face. Think about using genetic resistance to a disease that might be driving populations to extinction.”

Solving problems by using scientific methods is all about caring. Entomologists and other animal scientists like finding solutions to troubling mysteries. The bottom line for people in this field is to help animals and people.