Summary of National Zookeeper Week: Animal Ambassador Team:
The Brevard Zoo has a team of seven animal care staff members responsible for caring for 57 Animal Ambassadors. These animals are part of educational programs, including a prehensile-tailed porcupine, barnyard residents, and a Hyacinth macaw named Thor. The animal ambassador keepers do extensive training to prepare the animals for program settings, which can be overwhelming with sights, sounds, and smells. The animals have a choice to participate in programs, and if they do not want to participate, their keepers respect their decision. The team is proud of training their four goats to walk without a leash during zoo walks. The ambassador team also has to be flexible and handle various responsibilities, such as staffing the Barnyard and bringing animals to different programs and events. The Brevard Zoo relies on generous support to continue their animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
1. Animal Ambassador team at Brevard Zoo cares for 57 animal residents.
2. Extensive training is done to make the animals comfortable in program settings.
3. Animal Ambassadors have the choice to participate in programs.
4. Goats at the Zoo have been trained to stay by their keepers’ side without a leash.
5. Being on the Ambassador team requires flexibility and adaptability.
It’s National Zookeeper Week, and this is the perfect time to spotlight the incredible animal care staff at Brevard Zoo. Today, we will dive into the fascinating world of our Animal Ambassador team. This team of dedicated keepers is responsible for the well-being and training of our 57 Animal Ambassadors, who play a starring role in our educational programs.
The Animal Ambassadors at Brevard Zoo is a diverse animal group, including Shelley, the prehensile-tailed porcupine, the Barnyard residents, and even Thor, the Hyacinth macaw. These animals are ambassadors for their species and familiar faces that visitors may interact with during their visit to the Zoo.
But what goes on behind the scenes with our Animal Ambassadors? The keepers on the Animal Ambassador team undergo extensive training with their animal residents. This training serves two purposes: it helps the animals develop behaviors appropriate for their habitats and prepares them to be comfortable in program settings.
Program settings can be very stimulating for the animals, with many sounds, smells, and sights. The animals must be sensitized to these environments to feel at ease during programs. Madison Polk, the area supervisor for our Animal Ambassador team, explains, “We have to do a lot of desensitization training so the animals feel comfortable being in these types of environments.”
One remarkable aspect of our Animal Ambassador program is that the animals can choose when participating in programs. The keepers closely observe the animals and respect their boundaries. If they notice any signs that the animals are unwilling to participate, they do not bring them to the program. This level of respect and understanding creates a positive and enjoyable experience for animals and visitors.
The Animal Ambassador team takes great pride in their achievements, and one of their notable accomplishments is training our four goats, Charm, Pebbles, Puff, and Trix, to stay by their sides during Zoo walks without a leash. This gives the goats an enriching experience while ensuring their safety. Madison explains, “Goats can be inquisitive animals, so it took a lot of training and consistency to accomplish.”
Being a part of the Ambassador team requires flexibility and adaptability. The team is responsible for staffing the Barnyard and bringing animals to various programs and events. Scheduling can be a balancing act, and the daily routine is subject to change at any moment due to unexpected circumstances. However, the team takes these challenges in stride. Madison acknowledges, “While challenging, it keeps our day interesting, and everyone is great at adapting to the daily chaos that can sometimes occur.”
As an independent, not-for-profit organization, Brevard Zoo relies on the community’s support to continue its vital animal wellness, education, and conservation programs. By visiting the Zoo and participating in various programs, you contribute to the well-being of the Animal Ambassadors and help us in our mission to create a better world for wildlife.
National Zookeeper Week celebrates the hard work and dedication of zookeepers worldwide. It provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the unique role they play in animal care, conservation, and education. So, let’s take a moment to thank our Animal Ambassador team and all the fantastic zookeepers who work tirelessly to bring us closer to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
