How would I get involved in this kind of career?

I want to work with animals; particularly cheetahs, lions, panthers, or wild babies of any sort. In general, if I want to work in person with these cats or babies, is a zoo my only option? And what type of degree do I generally need? I am currently a junior in high school, and this is my dream. I have taken ALL of the science cles available at my school, including the AP and honors cles. Don't tell me I can't work in person with them, because there are thousands of videos on Youtube showing otherwise. Help please!