noun
zookeeper; aquarium caretaker; animal keeper
Refers to a person who cares for animals in a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. The term emphasizes the role of breeding and daily care.
彼は動物園の飼育員として働いている。
He works as a zookeeper at the zoo.
飼育員がペンギンに餌をやっている。
The keeper is feeding the penguins.
Compound of 飼育 (breeding, raising) and 員 (member, staff). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for job titles.