It’s National Zoo Keeper Week!
Posted at 8:45 am July 17, 2007 by Marcia Redding
July 16 marks the beginning of the first ever National Zoo Keeper Week. Spearheaded by the San Diego chapter of AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers), this will be a yearly event focusing on the efforts of all professional zoo keepers in the U.S.
The role of the keeper in managing an exotic animals collection has changed dramatically over the years. Today’s keeper is expected to provide much more than cleaning and feeding for their charges. Today’s keeper has a working knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment and most likely has a four-year college degree in a life science. We act as the interface between the veterinary staff and managers and must be able to detect the most subtle changes in an animal’s behavior. This has particular importance – many animals will attempt to mask a physical problem, as visible weakness in the wild often results in the unwanted attention of predators. In addition, while the veterinary staff prescribes medications, the responsibility falls upon the keeper staff to ensure that the animal accepts the medicine! Not always an easy task, especially with very sensitive and intelligent species such as primates.
In the past, keepers had very little contact with the public. This, too, has changed, with many keepers providing informational talks to visitors and taking part in scheduled shows. Surveys have proven time and time again that the zoo visitor is immensely appreciative of the chance to talk to animal care staff, and even the most informal talk is an opportunity to spread the message that conservation of animals and habitats is important.
Those of you who read our posts understand the commitment involved in this profession. We urge you to spread the word – zoo keeping is no longer just a job, it is an investment in the future of all species on the planet!
Marcia Redding is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.
Read Marcia’s previous post, Sumatran Tiger Cubs Update!
Listen to a keeper talk about what it takes to be in this profession during our new iZoofari Chats!
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July 17th, 2007 at 8:52 am
And you can write too!! I never cease to be amazed by what great journalists you all are. Happy Zoo Keeper Week to all of you.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Marcia,to you and all your fellow keepers it’s about time you all are reconized for the outstanding contribution you all give to the jobs that you do. All of you are the first line of defense seeing if a animal is injured, sick or maybe just needs a little extra attention and love.You all are truly exceptional people who make this world a little bit better for the creatures in your care and for all of us too.People like you are a part of our future. A big Congratulations to all.
July 17th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Happy National Zoo Keepers Week! Thank you for all that you do to keep our animals healthy and enriched. It’s wonderful that the job has evolved so much, yet I realize that it keeps all of you on your toes every second. It takes a special person to handle such diverse tasks, including the handling of all us wannabe zoo keepers!! I certainly appreciate the incredible (ongoing) education and training required for being a zoo keeper. You make it look easy, which definitely means that the animals you care for are in the best of hands.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Happy Zoo Keepers week to all keepers at SDZ and WAP as well as around the world. It is a special profession with tremendous responsibility and rewards. You make it all seem so effortless, but that is obviously not the case. Your dedication to your profession and especially to the well-being of the animals in your care is first class, second to none. If humans had such exemplary care from those in a position to provide it, we would live in a much safer, healthier, and friendlier world. These animals are truely blessed to have such wonderful nutrition, enrichment, living quarters, and medical attention. To think what would have happened to some of them in the wild, such as little Kinah the swamp monkey is thoughts I don’t like to have.
I agree with Angie #1 that you are also incredible journalists. It is seldom that you find such a great combination of scientific knowledge, great interpersonal skills, animal instincts and communication skills, and writing skill on top of it all. You write so well, that it makes me feel like I am right there with you and the animals going through these life experiences together.
Words can not express the gratitude of the zoo-visiting public both in person and on-line for all that you do for the animals and for us.
GOD Bless each and every one of you.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
i think the kitty is cute