Zookeeping is more than a job—it’s a calling. But even the most passionate and dedicated animal care professionals face days that test their resolve. Whether it’s being short-staffed, lacking control over decisions, experiencing the loss of an animal, or working with difficult people, the challenges can feel overwhelming. In those moments, it’s easy to lose sight of why we chose this career in the first place. Big goals can help us fix that.

So, how do we keep going? How do we push through the tough days without burning out? The answer lies in hope—and more specifically, in having a big-picture vision that fuels us through the daily grind.

The Power of a Long-Term Vision

I recently attended a leadership workshop where one of the participants—a high-level manager—was completely exhausted. She was overwhelmed, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up. “I just don’t know how to keep going,” she admitted.

Her mentor asked a simple but powerful question: “What are you working toward?”

At first, she could only list immediate frustrations—staffing issues, difficult policies, endless responsibilities. But as the conversation continued, she started to remember her deeper purpose. She spoke about wanting to create a better facility, a more cohesive team, and an enriching environment for the animals in her care.

By the end of the discussion, her mindset had shifted. The problems hadn’t disappeared, but she had reconnected with her “why.” She left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to tackle the obstacles with fresh energy.

Why Zookeepers Need Big Goals

Zookeepers, like all professionals in demanding careers, need something to strive for beyond the daily tasks. A strong long-term vision does three things:

1. It Provides Motivation – When you know you’re working toward something meaningful, it’s easier to get through frustrating days. A vision reminds you that today’s struggles are just stepping stones toward something bigger.
2. It Creates Resilience – Challenges are inevitable. But when you’re focused on a long-term goal, setbacks don’t feel like dead ends. Instead, they become lessons that help you grow and adapt.
3. It Restores Control – Many zookeepers feel powerless due to bureaucracy, staffing shortages, or policy changes. While we can’t always control our environment, we can control our perspective. A clear goal shifts our focus from what we can’t do to what we can build over time.

How to Set a Meaningful Long-Term Goal

Not sure where to start? Try these steps:

1. Reflect on Your Passion – What excites you most about working with animals? Is it improving welfare? Training? Conservation? Education?
2. Think 5-10 Years Ahead – What would your ideal career or facility look like in the future? Imagine the impact you want to have.
3. Break It Down – Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break yours into smaller milestones that you can work toward each year.
4. Write It Down – Putting your vision on paper makes it more tangible. Keep it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
5. Share It with Others – Talk to your peers, mentors, or leadership team about your goals. They may provide support, ideas, or resources to help you achieve them.

Hope is an Act of Strength

In the toughest moments of your career, hope is not naive—it’s necessary. Choosing to focus on the future rather than just the struggles of today is what separates those who thrive from those who burn out.

So, ask yourself: What are you working toward?

Hold onto that vision. Let it be your anchor on hard days and your guide on good ones. Because the work you do matters, and the future you’re building—one day at a time—is worth it.