There are a few things you can do to work your way to that goal. One of the best things you can do is to read as much as you can about wolves. Read books with facts in them and also read fictional stories about wolves. Reading both types of books will let you learn the truth about wolves and also see how other people think about wolves.

In middle school and high school, take courses in biology, chemistry, and psychology, or just in animals and animal behavior, as much as you can. In college, major in psychology, biology, learning, or ethology...or anything else the college offers which lets you learn how animals communicate and behave.

Also, try to become a volunteer at an animal shelter. Most shelters cannot afford a lot of staff, so that means everyone helps out and you will learn how to do everything. You will most likely start by helping walk the animals and cleaning their cages. That is probably not your favorite thing to do, but that is how we all started. When you work with animals there are going to be nasty jobs. All of us here at Wolf Park help with cleaning the enclosures and feeding the wolves. Working with wildlife is one of the greatest things in the world, but it is sometimes very hard work.

Talk to people who already work with animals and get as much feedback and information as you can from them. The main thing, until you are old enough to go to college and take courses in animal behavior, etc., is to just read and ask a lot of questions and take every chance you get to be around different types of animals. You can also write to Wolf Park Kids with questions you might have.

A Note Regarding Safety: NEVER approach animals you do not know. Every animal is different and has a different personality. Even here at the Park there are some wolves that only one or two people can go in with. Just because one wolf will greet you in a nice way does not mean all wolves will. Dogs and cats are the same way. Remember, no-one is ever a real expert with all animals. Be smart and be safe.