Chinese woman with Cambridge master’s degree declines biotech job to become zookeeper

A Chinese graduate from the University of Cambridge became a zookeeper in Shanghai for better health, but her career choice has left many people awestruck.

Ma Ya, 25, from eastern China’s Jiangsu province, made a bold decision to give up her higher-paid job at a biopharmaceutical company and now works as a zookeeper at the renowned Shanghai Zoo.

The average monthly salary for a new researcher at biopharmaceutical companies is around 10,000 yuan (US$1,400), while that of a zookeeper is about half of that.

Many found Ma’s decision surprising and unconventional, particularly given her impressive educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Imperial College London and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the prestigious University of Cambridge.

However, Ma expressed that her role at the zoo has made her “healthier”, as she enjoys the active lifestyle and no longer feels confined to an office environment.