Zookeepers
feel they have the best job in the world! They spend a part of
each workday chopping food, scrubbing cages, and
raking up poop, but they also train animals, landscape exhibits,
and share
the wonders of nature with zoo visitors.
Some
keepers are highly specialized and especially knowledgeable
about particular groups of
animals such as great apes, elephants
or reptiles. Others are generalists, who pride themselves
on being able
to provide excellent care for just about any animal placed
in their care.
Keepers
must be excellent observers, learning the habits and behaviors
of the species and the individuals for
which
they care.
Professional keepers must be able to detect subtle changes
in an animal’s
physical or psychological condition and then work with
curators, veterinary staff, and nutritionists to react accordingly.
Zookeepers
also work closely with zoo managers on conservation,
reproductive husbandry and research projects that may
provide important information to help preserve rare and endangered
species and habitats.
Some
keepers also are involved with making presentations to the
public, teaching zoo visitors and the
community
about the natural
history of the animals they care for.
Zookeeping
is physically demanding, and keepers are often exposed to
the varying types of weather as they do
their
work. They
must be able to juggle priorities on a daily basis,
as they deal with
an ever-changing
collection containing new, newborn, aged, or unwell
animals. Along with the elation of working with animals,
there
is worry and frustration
when things don’t go well.
But
at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. After all, it’s
the best job in the world!
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