#nationalzookeeperweek

Happy National Zoo Keeper Week to my coworkers and friends! #AAZK #AmericanAssociationofZooKeepers #NationalZooKeeperWeek #NationalZooKeeperWeek2021 #zookeeper #zookeepersofinstagram #zookeepers #zookeeperlife #zoolife @wcs @bronxzoo @nycaazk @nyaquarium @centralparkzoo @prospectparkzoo @thequeenszoo @aazkinc @zoos_aquariums (at Queens Zoo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRgybq9LmXE/?utm_medium=tumblr

My #ThrowbackThursday for #NationalZookeeperWeek - Isa the fossa and I, back in 2007. Both of us sporting a much younger look. 😊 . . . . . #zookeeper #sandiegozoo #fossa #animallovers #animalpolis #animalsofinstagram #igscwildlife #animales #exclusive_animals #wildlifephoto #wildlifeaddicts #wildlifephotography #animalworld #awesomeglobe #animalofinstagram #animalsmood #wildlifeonearth #wildlifeplanet #thecritterhaven #animalsaddict #planet_of_animals #wildlife_seekers #animal_in_world #igerssandiego #sandiego_ca #mysdphoto (at San Diego, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0XOvIOHE2-/?igshid=1plt1ag69qzir

Something I posted for National Zoo Keeper Week in 2015... but worth sharing again. 🐧 “The moment the connection happens, the child's life is forever marked & changed. For some of us, it sets us on a course based in passion, fueled by a desire to know more & connect others, all sparked by that moment. The moment that they looked us in the eye. The moment they swam right to us and followed us. That moment they flew over us. That moment we could hear, see and smell them. Being a #zookeeper is a passion and a way of life. A life that sometimes feels like it chose us, and we are the better for it.” Please thank a keeper or any animal care specialist to recognize & acknowledge those who have dedicated their life to the animal kingdom. #zookeeperweek #nationalzookeeperweek #connection #dedication #Zoo #zoofriends #SanDiegoZoo #TeamKeeper (at San Diego, California)

“As you move up in your career, remember to lift others up with you.” * I don’t know everything. But if what I’ve learned over the years can be of any help to others, then I am happy to share. I have finally posted a video to YouTube that helps answer the question I am most frequently asked, “What do I need to do to Become a Zookeeper?” The link is in the bio, and if you are reading this after the link has been changed, just send me a DM and I will send you the link. . . . . . #Zookeeper #zookreepers #youtube #animalcare #sandiegozoo #NationalZookeeperWeek #nationalzookeeperweek2018 #zoology #biology #animalbehavior #wildlifeeducation (at San Diego, California)

The moment the connection happens, the child's life is forever marked & changed. For some of us, it sets us on a course based in passion, fueled by a desire to know more & connect others, all sparked by that moment. The moment that they looked us in the eye. The moment they swam right to us and followed us. That moment they flew over us. That moment we could hear, see and smell them. Being a #zookeeper is a passion and a way of life. A life that sometimes feels like it chose us, and we are the better for it. I wrote that back in 2015, but it still holds true today. This week is #NationalZookeeperWeek2017. Help recognize & acknowledge those who have dedicated their life to the animal kingdom. #zookeeperweek #nationalzookeeperweek #NZKW2017 #connection #dedication #Zoo #zoofriends #SanDiegoZoo  (at San Diego, California)

Too good not to repost! Happy #NZKW2017! #Repost @sandiegozoo (@get_repost) ・・・ Shoutout to our inspiring zookeepers for #NationalZookeeperWeek! 🎉 Being a #zookeeper may seem glamorous, but it's hard work. At the end of the day, it's all worth it for these passionate people committed to caring for animals in the name of conservation. #EndExtinction

Happy National Zoo Keeper Week to my coworkers and friends! #AAZK #AmericanAssociationofZooKeepers #NationalZooKeeperWeek #NationalZooKeeperWeek2021 #zookeeper #zookeepersofinstagram #zookeepers #zookeeperlife #zoolife @wcs @bronxzoo @nycaazk @nyaquarium @centralparkzoo @prospectparkzoo @thequeenszoo @aazkinc @zoos_aquariums @peppermintnarwhal (at Queens Zoo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRe-qWKrcjI/?utm_medium=tumblr

National Zookeeper Week is ending. Zookeeping is definitely where I got my start and is still a big part of who I am. Zookeeping has taught me to strive to do the best I can for the animals in my care. The message is very clear. Animal welfare and conservation education are very important. Throughout the years in whatever way I was contributing I found I could help make a difference. Zookeeping has taught me to respect and revere animals. Although we may have great relationships with the animals, they are not our companion animals and they are serving a different purpose as animal ambassadors. Zookeeping has taught me the importance of observing animals and trying to gather as much information as I can from watching their body language. (One of my favorite places to visit at a zoo is a walk-through aviary on a quiet day.) I try to relate what I see to the natural history of the species. And if I don’t know what that is, I ask or do some research to find out. Zookeeping has also taught me to take safety seriously. I respect yellow lines! Always look around before I take a step back or touch anything. And I check the locks! Zookeeping has fostered a deep sense of responsibility and ethic when it comes to conservation. One of the greatest rewards for zoo professionals I find is being able to contribute to conservation of species in the wild. I can say my most rewarding experiences have been being able to provide my expertise to support conservation projects. Here are a few photos from working on conservation projects. My zookeeping career evolved into an even more specialized profession that involves working alongside zookeepers. I think my experience as a zookeeper is one of my greatest assets to my current role as animal training consultant. I’m no stranger to the experiences of the people who are seeking my assistance. There are many more lessons I learned of course. The point is zookeepers are much more than animal lovers or people who clean up after animals. It is a highly specialized profession; some might describe as a calling. As the saying goes…find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life. #nationalzookeeperweek #NZKW2020 #NZKW https://www.instagram.com/p/CDEpM6TFMvC/?igshid=1h3b5517p6qh4