Engineering medical equipment and life support systems for animals is a big field for engineers.  Business Insider reported that in 2011, Americans spent $48.3 billion on their pets. Pet care is a booming industry and a great field for engineers that want to help both small and large animals.

In zoos, engineers are responsible for building new exhibits for endangered or rare animals such as a tiger. They ensure the animal is happy in its new home, that the animal cannot escape from its habitat and that the guests have a nice viewing area without encroaching on the Tiger’s personal space. To do this, engineers need information such as how high a tiger jumps, what’s the perfect climate and do tigers like other tigers. Once the information is compiled, they can design an exhibit that will keep the tiger safe, healthy and happy.

Architects usually design the face/aesthetics of the zoo but engineers are required to keep the animals alive and healthy. Engineers who work for zoos are called life support engineers and are usually educated in architectural, civil, chemical, biomedical, environmental and mechanical engineering. The work is similar to designing building systems but the equipment used in a zoo is unusual. Engineers usually have to go to special training, and it’s important to keep up with the changes in the industry. Not only do engineers have to research and design the perfect type of environment for each animal, they also have to keep the zoo visitors entertained by creating something that is aesthetically pleasing.  Zoos spend money to obtain new animals and build exhibits in order to attract more guests and stay in business.

Celeste Baine is a biomedical engineer, Director of the Engineering Education Service Center and the award-winning author of over twenty books and booklets on engineering careers and education.