Summary of National Zookeeper Week: Wild Florida Team:
The Wild Florida team at Brevard Zoo cares for 29 animal residents, including bobcats, deer, bears, and eagles. Many of these animals cannot be released back into the wild due to injuries or becoming too comfortable with humans. The team modifies the animals’ environment to suit their specific needs, such as providing more straightforward navigation for a bird with a leg injury or giving eagles options for their days. The team has recently welcomed new animal residents, and they do their best to anticipate and meet the animals’ needs. One of the most challenging parts of the job is leaving the animals at the end of the day. Brevard Zoo relies on generous support from the community to continue its animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
– The Wild Florida team at Brevard Zoo cares for 29 animal residents who can’t be released back to their natural habitat.
– The team modifies the environment to suit each animal’s needs, such as providing more straightforward navigation for a caracara with a leg injury.
– The team has welcomed new animal residents, including bobcats, deer, and bears.
– The team is dedicated to improving animal well-being and fulfilling their natural behaviors, such as providing foraging opportunities and building dens for bears.
– Brevard Zoo relies on generous support to continue its vital work in animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Bobcats and deer and bears, oh my! National Zookeeper Week is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible work done by zookeepers and animal care teams worldwide. While their jobs may seem glamorous and exciting, they are also filled with unique challenges and responsibilities. Today, we spotlight the Wild Florida team at Brevard Zoo, who are dedicated to the care and well-being of 29 animal residents, each with their own story and needs.
One of the fascinating aspects of being a zookeeper is the ability to work with animals who can’t be released back into their natural habitat. The Wild Florida team faces this challenge head-on, caring for animals who have been injured or have become too comfortable with people. These animal residents rely on their keepers for everything from food and shelter to socialization and enrichment.
Marc Franzen, the area supervisor of Wild Florida, explains the intricate task of modifying the environment to suit each animal’s specific needs. Take Camilla, the crested caracara, for example. She has a past leg injury that makes it difficult for her to navigate certain terrains. The team has created a habitat that allows her to move around with ease, ensuring she still has the opportunity to exercise and explore.
The team’s dedication to the welfare of the animals is evident in their approach to providing choice and enrichment. Crowbar and Kane, the bald eagles, can decide how they spend their days thanks to extensive perching in their habitat. The team ensures their well-being and happiness by allowing them to exercise their natural behaviors.
The Wild Florida team has welcomed several new animal residents in the past year. Among them are Betty, the Florida black bear; Abby and Aries, the bobcats; Plum, the white-tailed deer; and Peach, the fallow deer. Each addition brings new challenges and opportunities for the team to learn and grow. They have become adept at anticipating the needs of their animal residents and adapting to the moment.
The team’s commitment to providing care that aligns with the animals’ natural behaviors is particularly evident with the Florida black bears. Cheyenne, Brody, and Betty, the bear residents, have keepers who go above and beyond to ensure they have a life that closely mirrors their natural habitat. From providing foraging opportunities to building dens for them to spend the winter inside, the team works tirelessly to create an environment that supports their well-being.
Yet, as Marc Franzen admits, the most challenging part of the job is leaving at the end of the day or week. Zookeepers form strong bonds with their animal residents and constantly strive to provide them with the best possible life. It’s hard to say goodbye when you know there is always more you can do. This dedication and love for the animals are what makes the work of zookeepers so inspiring.
It’s important to note that Brevard Zoo, like many others, is an independent, not-for-profit organization. They do not receive recurring government funding for their operating costs. Instead, they rely on the generous support of the community. This support enables them to continue their vital work in animal wellness, education, and conservation programs. By contributing to Brevard Zoo, you become an essential part of the Wild Florida team, making a real difference in the lives of these incredible animals.
In conclusion, the Wild Florida team at Brevard Zoo exemplifies the dedication and passion that zookeepers bring to their work. Their adaptability, knowledge, and commitment to providing their animal residents the best possible life are remarkable. The next time you visit a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts of the keepers and the unique and fascinating aspects of the animals they care for.
