Summary of National Zookeepers Week 2023:
National Zookeeper Week celebrates the hardworking individuals caring for the Phoenix Zoo‘s animals. Zookeepers are passionate, dedicated, and selfless, working long hours to ensure the health and happiness of the animals. They create behavioral enrichment activities, shower elephants, and provide care and medication to the animals. Zookeepers enjoy the variety and adventure of their work, as every day is different. They also value the opportunity to educate visitors about conservation and generate excitement about animals. Being a zookeeper is a rewarding job, but it requires hard work and dedication. Zookeepers spend many hours on their feet, getting dirty and sweaty. Despite the challenges, they find fulfillment in knowing they are improving the lives of the animals they care for. The keepers at the Phoenix Zoo form meaningful connections with the animals, such as Meatball, the red-necked wallaby and Jojo-bean, the Sumatran tiger. They also enjoy hearing the calls of the animals, such as gibbons singing or wolves howling. Zookeepers encourage aspiring zookeepers to have good intentions, patience, and excellent hiking boots. They also emphasize the importance of conservation and protecting animals’ natural habitats.
National Zookeepers Week 2023: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes of Wildlife Conservation
Did you know that National Zookeeper Week takes place every year in July? This is a time to honor and celebrate the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes, ensuring the health and well-being of the animals in our zoos. As we approach National Zookeeper Week in 2023, let us take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and passion that zookeepers bring to their roles. In this article, we will meet some incredible keepers from the Phoenix Zoo and learn about their experiences, challenges, and the unique connections they form with the animals under their care.
Kiersten: Keeper I – Equine
Kiersten was inspired by her aunt Debbie, a primate keeper at the Phoenix Zoo for many years. Her passion for animals and the curiosity that her aunt fostered in her led Kiersten to become an equine/farm keeper. She recognizes that being a zookeeper is a fulfilling career that requires dedication and commitment.
Lysi: Keeper II – AAR
Lysi finds being a zookeeper to be an adventure every day. She enjoys the variety that comes with working with different animals and the opportunity to educate visitors about wildlife conservation. Lysi’s passion lies in inspiring the next generation to adopt a conservation mindset through their interaction with ambassador animals.
Alyssa: Keeper II – Carnivores
Alyssa wants aspiring zookeepers to know that the job is rewarding but not as easy as it may seem. While spending time with amazing animals is part of the job, there is also a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work, including raking, hosing, diet preparation, and training. Zookeepers devote long hours to ensure the well-being of the animals they care for and ensure they have the best lives possible.
Brittnye: Senior Hospital Keeper
For Brittney, building a relationship with Meatball, a red-necked wallaby, has been the most meaningful connection she has formed at the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC). Initially, a bird-focused keeper, working with wallabies was new to Brittnye, but her bond with Meatball also helped develop a relationship with the other wallabies. These connections demonstrate the importance of trust and understanding between keepers and their animal charges.
Becky: Keeper I – AAR
Becky’s favorite aspect of being a zookeeper is connecting zoo visitors and animals. When guests have personal interactions with ambassador animals, they often develop a deeper appreciation and interest in wildlife. Inspiring these connections and witnessing the excitement and wonder on visitors’ faces drives Becky’s role as a keeper.
Caitlon: Keeper II – Ectotherms
One of Caitlon’s favorite parts of being a zookeeper is working closely with animals and getting to know their personalities. The Galapagos tortoises, in particular, hold a special place in her heart. Caitlin enjoys providing daily care for these magnificent creatures, and even during summer, she delights in showering one of the male tortoises, Elvis, with refreshing water from the hose.
Ryan: Keeper I – Birds
Growing up with a deep love for birds, Ryan always knew he wanted to work with them and help conserve their natural habitats. While interning at an AZA-accredited zoo, he witnessed the conservation efforts carried out by these institutions and instantly fell in love with the field. Now, Ryan spends his days caring for and working with the birds he adores while contributing to their species’ conservation.
Emily: Keeper II – Carnivores
Jojo-bean, a Sumatran tiger, holds a special place in Emily’s heart. Despite her “cattitude,” Jojo-bean has formed a meaningful bond with Emily. Emily loves hearing the animals calling at the ACNC, whether the gibbons singing or the lions roaring. These magical moments serve as a reminder of the incredible wildlife that zookeepers work tirelessly to protect and care for.
Sam: Keeper I – Birds
Sam’s journey as a keeper began as a volunteer at the Phoenix Zoo, which allowed him to learn and grow alongside experienced mentors. From feeding rhinos to assisting with cheetah annual exams, Sam’s experiences have shaped him into the dedicated and passionate keeper he is today. Sam’s commitment and love for animals guide him in his journey as a keeper.
Conclusion:
National Zookeeper Week is a time to recognize zookeepers’ incredible work, dedication, and passion for wildlife conservation. The keepers at the Phoenix Zoo exhibit unwavering commitment, ensuring that the animals under their care are healthy, happy, and engaged. Their efforts extend beyond the physical care of the animals and encompass building connections between visitors and wildlife. As we celebrate National Zookeeper Week in 2023, let us appreciate these unsung heroes and their crucial role in wildlife conservation.
