What’s It Like To Be A…Zookeeper
What role does a zookeeper have at the zoo?
As a Zookeeper and Animal Care Supervisor, my role is to make sure the animals I work with are well cared for. Observations, feeding and cleaning are all part of the job. I also spend time communicating with other departments and working with our staff nutritionist and veterinarians when needed.
How do the animals at the zoo end up there?
In today’s modern zoo, animals come to us from many places. Some were kept illegally as pets, some were injured in the wild and can’t be re-released and now take sanctuary at the zoo. Others are in zoos because they have nowhere else to go due to habitat loss in the wild. Many animals are born at the zoo as well, some are even second and third generation zoo born individuals.
Why are zoos important places for both the animals they house and the people that visit?
Unfortunately, for many species there just isn’t a safe place for them in the wild anymore. Zoos are truly a sanctuary for many animals, a last safe place to live and hopefully prevent extinction of their kind. This goes right into the second part of the question, it is so important to see and be near these animals. They (people) get to know the animals, they gain a better understanding of the individual and the species and are inspired to help protect them. The San Diego Zoo is a great example of having people not just visit the zoo but also join us in our global conservation efforts. The zoo is an important place for everyone.
What is a typical day like for you?
Animals do tend to have routines, so our days can be pretty predictable. We start early in the morning with walking through our area to check on the animals, we meet with our team to discuss the day’s events and from there it’s a lot of cleaning and feeding. As we move through our area we are observing the animals as well. From there, keepers typically prep all the fresh food for the animals as well. Oh, and throughout the day we also do keeper talks. That’s when we talk to our guests at the zoo about the animals.
What does it take to be a zookeeper?
At the San Diego Zoo you need to have a bachelor’s degree, usually in biology, zoology or a similar course of study. Many have degrees in animal behavior or ecology, as well. You also need to love animals and not mind working weekends and holidays. After all, the animals don’t care what day it is, they still need to be taken care of. A strong passion for animal care on all levels is truly important that way you don’t mind going to work on a weekend.
When and how did you know that you wanted to be a zookeeper?
I have always had an ongoing curiosity about the natural world. With that there is an innate fascination with biology and everything that includes. Right before high school I learned you could actually have a career working with animals and educating others about them. At that point, I knew I wanted to work at a zoo.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Honestly, that is really hard to answer because there are a lot of favorite parts to my job. I’d have to say the top two favorite parts are, the shared bond that develops between myself and the animals and also the moments that I get to see someone making a connection with an animal they just met at the zoo. I see the excitement and wonder they have and I know I helped make a difference.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The worst part of the job is that we humans tend to live longer than some of the animals we work with. It’s just the nature of things that certain species don’t live as long as we do. The biggest challenge is having to say goodbye.
What is your favorite animal and why?
I absolutely love the binturong! Sometimes called a bearcat, they are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. I have had the pleasure of working with two different binturongs during my career and have loved every minute of it. Now I know, you are probably wondering what the heck is a binturong, but there just isn’t enough space here to go into all the cool details. So I challenge you to go to the zoo and find out more!
What is something really cool about zoos that most people don’t know?
It has always fascinated me that centuries ago zoos where just collections that wealthy people had to show off to other wealthy people. And now today, most zoos are the last stand for many species facing extinction. We want everyone to know about these amazing animals, learn about them and join us in ending extinction.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
Oh, you are probably going to think I am crazy… But I love going to the zoo. Yes, I’m “that guy” that goes to work on his day off. But seriously, if you worked where I do, you would too! Going to the zoo when not working is a completely different day than when I am working, and I love it!
