BA and Science - Zoology in Dunedin New Zealand | University of Otago

Zoology explores the science of animals, examining their behavior, biological functions, evolutionary development, and relationships with ecosystems. Researchers in this field investigate how species adapt over time and respond to environmental shifts. Their work includes developing strategies for wildlife management and protecting vulnerable creatures like takahe birds, amphibians, and tuatara reptiles. They analyze conservation efforts, weighing ecological benefits against practical challenges to improve species preservation.
This career offers extraordinary fieldwork locations, allowing professionals to investigate diverse habitats—from alpine ranges and coastal waters to marshlands and fjords. Zoology provides global travel prospects; read our alumni stories to discover how this discipline can take you worldwide. As an international science, zoology spans continents and ecosystems.
New Zealand's distinctive fauna makes it an exceptional location for zoological and environmental studies. The field integrates multiple disciplines—our faculty includes wildlife ecologists, cellular biologists, genetic researchers, mathematical modelers, and science communicators. In today's changing world, environmental restoration has become crucial, and zoologists play a key role in these conservation efforts.
A zoology degree leads to diverse career paths. Graduates work in government agencies like DOC, Fisheries, and Environmental Ministries, conducting research, managing species populations, controlling invasive species, and shaping environmental policies. Opportunities exist with regional environmental boards, Crown research institutes (Landcare, NIWA), and private organizations (Cawthron Institute). Zoology qualifications also lead to roles in veterinary science, biomedical research, and biotech laboratories.