Dear editor:
Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all weather – from tornado threats to blizzards to heat waves, and everything in between – (zoo) keepers have to be ready for anything and everything. They are involved in captive animals’ lives and welfare from birth to death and every moment in between, and often create bonds that last a lifetime. A keeper’s day can include a wide variety of tasks including cleaning, food preparation and feed out, medical treatment, training, enrichment, landscaping, exhibit design, animal introductions, public outreach and education, and so much more. All of our animal care staff have bachelor’s degrees and are working to continue to advance their education by attending workshops, conferences, and certificate programs annually. They are not just skilled laborers, but professionals who continue to expand their knowledge of a constantly evolving field.
Working with animals requires constant complex problem solving and progressive learning. In the end, being a zookeeper is more than just a job. It’s a career; it’s a passion, it’s a calling. That’s why we recognize zookeepers year round, and that’s why we have a week dedicated to promoting their skills, dedication and enthusiasm for wildlife.
We invite the public to join us in celebrating the passion and hard work of our own zoo keepers by joining us for daily keeper meet and greets at 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 17-20. Each of those days, a keeper will be hanging out with one of our animal residents to show off how awesome it is to be a zookeeper and to answer any questions you may have. Follow us on Facebook for details of who will be featured each day.

Sara Hamlin
Curator & Zoo Supervisor
Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo