Fozblog

Interested in Zookeeping?

Zookeeper Patti Rader entices "Yumi" the kangaroo to take some medicine prescribed by the veterinarian.

Zookeeping is a very hands-on job and career. So, if you have a love for animals, science and zoos, and don't mind getting your hands dirty, this may be the perfect career for you!

To become a zookeeper, a high school diploma is required. However, zookeeping jobs are very competitive, so it is encouraged to have a college degree to stay ahead of the game. And, college internships are a great way to get hands-on experience and connect with professionals in the zoo field. While you’re in school, learn as much as you can in your science classes. In college, choose a degree program in animal-related fields like biology, zoology, wildlife management, conservation science or animal behavior. 

If you are interested in zookeeping, Dickerson Park Zoo offers many opportunities for exploration. These opportunities can also be improved with a FOZ membership.  For $65 a year, FOZ members receive discounts on classes, special benefits and free admission to the zoo.

Watch the "Tropical Asia" zookeepers give our elephants a bath everyday at 11 a.m.!

Feed the giraffes daily from our feeding deck from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April-Sept., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends in March and October (weather permitting)!

Adopt An Animal is also available for zoo fans. By purchasing an ADOPT package, you will receive a picture and information about your animal, and recognition for your contribution towards making the zoo "grrr-eat." 

Z.E.B.R.A. classes are offered year-round for 2-years-old to 6th graders. Classes feature live animal encounters in our "up-close" visits with education animals; biofacts to touch and learn about; crafts and hands-on activities; stories, games and a snack. Some classes include a hike in the zoo (weather permitting)! Family adventures are also available.

Junior Zookeeper camps are also available for children who have completed 4th-6th grade. This class is only offered in the summer and fills up quickly. Participants shadow zookeepers for the day and partake in many of their daily tasks, including making animal enrichment activities.

High school students (grades 9-12) can participate in "Veterinarian Adventures."  Students shadow veterinarian Dr. Erica Wilson for a day. Lunch is provided, along with an opportunity to interact with other zoo employees.

There is just one more day left of National Zoo Keeper week--so make sure you stop by Dickerson Park Zoo today or tomorrow, and say thank you to our zookeepers! 

National Zoo Keeper Week

A Day in the Life of a Dickerson Park Zoo Keeper

Dickerson Park Zoo's keepers are not assigned to specific animals. Instead, the keepers are assigned to the geographic areas that make up the zoo. 

A typical "day in the life" of a zookeeper:

7:30 a.m.: Zookeepers begin their work days by checking on all animals under their care. Once it is established that all animals are fine, the usual husbandry begins. Animals are fed, exhibits and holding areas are cleaned and check-ups are made if needed. An animal's zoo diet is very carefully monitored to ensure it receives proper nutrition. Operant conditioning exercises may be practiced as well. 

Operant conditioning gives the animals a choice to cooperate with zookeepers and veterinarians for examinations or blood draws. Using positive reinforcement, which is most often food-motivated, animals will receive benefits if they cooperate. This reduces stress levels on the animals, zookeepers and veterinarians, and costs for the zoo. Conditioning is practiced even if check-ups are not in the immediate future.  By continuing conditioning practices, animals do not lose the good behaviors they have acquired. 

9:45 or 10:00 a.m.: All zookeepers meet for morning meeting in the zookeeper building with General Curator John Collette to report the happenings of the zoo. These include supplies that need to be ordered, animals with notable changes in behavior or eating habits, indications of illness, etc. 

After the meeting, zookeepers continue the feeding and cleaning routines and then break for lunch.

12:00 p.m. - 2 or 3 p.m.: Zookeepers work on repairs that need to be made, such as fences and habitat structures and continue with overall maintenance and operant conditioning.

4:30 p.m.:  Zookeepers make sure that everything is stocked, secured and readied for the night. This is usually the end of a keepers' day. 

Senior Keeper Ken Harmon comments that his favorite part of the day is the feeding, cleaning and the interaction with the animals that taking care of them brings.

      

National Zoo Keeper Week!

Here are a few pictures of some of the zookeeper staff at DPZoo. 

Zookeeper Assistant Katie Schalk uses the morning feeding routine as time to get an upclose look at the lemurs on the Dickerson Lake islands.

Zookeeper Jackson Thompson, uses operant conditioning to examine Petra, one of the zoo's Malayan tigers. Operant conditioning gives Petra a choice of cooperating with Jackson. Examinations without conditioning would be a more dangerous, expensive process.

Zookeeper John Bradford, sprays off Ol' C.C., one of the zoo's four female elephants. Elephant baths are available for public viewing every day at 11:00 a.m.

National Zoo Keeper Week!

July 19 - 25 will mark National Zoo Keeper Week! 

A special thank you to the zookeeper staff at the zoo for all their hard work and dedication to caring for the hundreds of animals at Dickerson Park Zoo.

A zookeeper's career is much more than just feeding and cleaning. In today's world, zookeepers must know how to incorporate operant conditioning, relationship establishment, and educational enrichment. A keeper's career is a life-long learning experience.

This week, FOZblog.org will showcase new information each day about our zookeepers, the details of their job and how you can get involved with the zoo.  You may also follow us on Twitter (#DPZ), Facebook, or YouTube channel (DPZoo).

Zookeeper Assistant Katie Schalk uses the morning feeding routine as time to get an upclose look at the lemurs on the Dickerson Lake islands.