Is he a zookeeper? I didnt know that. The pay scale for zoologists and people with similar careers varies...especially with experience level. I knew a marine biologist that got paid 20,000 a year, but my brother in law introduced me to another marine biologist that he knows who works at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and he got paid upwards of 175,000 a year. So, in short...it depends. Also, I am sure this tank took a TON of saving up and making wise choices about his money spending.