National Zoo Keeper Week

At the Zoo and Wild Animal Park

July 19–25, 2009

These days, being a zoo keeper involves more than cleaning up after animals. In today’s zoos and animal facilities, keepers are involved in behavioral observations, medical care, research, training, enrichment, and conservation as a part of the day-to-day animal care. The San Diego chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park will be joining forces to celebrate the 3rd annual National Zoo Keeper Week. During this week, keepers and animal care staff will be recognized for their work in the animal care field.

Our keepers and animal care staff will be sharing their expertise and experiences with you! Be sure to visit the Keeper Tent at the Zoo (July 20–25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Keeper Booth at the Wild Animal Park (July 19–25, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) to speak to and learn from animal care staff and see what is involved in daily zoo keeping. Meet the different kinds of keepers found at the San Diego Zoo: mammal, bird, reptile, and insect, as well as trainers, researchers, and other zoo personnel that help keepers on a regular basis.

In addition, the Wild Animal Park will have an Enrichment Booth, where you can help make some "toys" for our animal residents. These enrichment items will then be distributed to our critters—come watch the fun! The Enrichment Booth (10:30 a.m.–noon) and distribution (12:30–1:15 p.m.) takes place July 19 and 25.