Romance novel at a zoo – any suggestions?

[Guest]

There is no reason to post something unhelpful.

I'm asking for the best way to research. Not everyone is the same level and we ask questions so we can learn something we may not have considered. I thank those with actual advice and suggestions.

How do you learn about something you've not experienced? I have a romance novel idea, but it takes place at a zoo..... stay with me . Um but I've never worked at a zoo, just a vet, biggest animal I've been near is a cow. I'm googling it but it's the typical "we want you" career stuff. I wanna know the reality. Like the cliques, the drama, who's sleeping with who. Personality types... any suggestions? There

[Mandy]

Try to look up documentaries on YouTube. I find things most helpful when I'm watching people upload "A day in my life as a -whatever career-." I think you might find something. Look up specific animals too, see how they are taken care of (if you have one in mind that is). Also, maybe search on reddit, see if anyone has asked a similar question about that career choice (or ask a question yourself on reddit through one of the subreddits). Otherwise, you can do it the old fashion way. Find a zoo and go interview an employee lol.

[Ryan]

I learn about a thing by doing it. If it's something I don't want to do (drugs, jumping out of an airplane, sailing, etc) then I watch movies and documentaries about it.

Just go to a zoo.

[Nishka]

People are people everywhere… settings change… you can research your zoo settings but the story runs on emotions which are universal.

[Shabana]

There are a couple zoo shows on Nat Geo and Discovery. Secrets of the Zoo is one of them. They probably won't talk about who's sleeping with whom, but I'm sure you can draw inspiration from their interactions.

[Gary]

People who write novels write them about places they have never been or jobs they have never performed. There's a general feeling for everybody what is it like at a zoo. The general feeling for everybody with his life to work for veterinarian.. you can just imagine these situations.. I find it inconceivable that you are troubled by not having the actual experience.

[Danielle]

There’s got to be some Facebook group for zookeepers.

Also I know the movie Cat People (the 80s one) takes place in and around a zoo and the characters are zoo staff, there might be some helpful stuff there.