Zookeeper Week | Keepers become their Animals

Our animal care team are always up for a challenge - even when we expect the most of them!

As the need to protect and preserve wildlife and their vanishing habitats continues to increase, the animal care professional’s role as educators and conservation ambassadors has become essential. Our curators and animal handlers care for hundreds of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, in all weather (from icy cold, to heat waves, and everything in between), our keepers have to be ready for anything. They are involved in captive animals’ lives and welfare from birth to death and every moment in between, and often create lifelong bonds.

A keeper’s day can include an array of tasks including cleaning, food preparation and feeding, medical treatment, training, enrichment, landscaping, exhibit design, animal introductions, public outreach- and education, and much MUCH more. Beyond their daily duties, keepers are involved in research projects, field work, and conservation organisations. 

Because what they do is SO important, we thought to lighten their spirits in some way. 

Our Challenge:

• Pick you favourite animal... 
• Pick your favourite behaviour...
• And DEMONSTRATE!

The results are hilarious - we love being able to share with you, the most important people in our animals' lives.

Tiger Pole Climbing | Tamblyn shows us how

Singing Chicken | David finds his inner chicken

Blue Duiker | Lara perfects the trail

Large Flying Fox | Upside-Down Amanda

Ring-Tailed Lemur | Sunbathing Delano