NATIONAL ZOO KEEPERS WEEK | Starts Third Sunday in July

NATIONAL ZOO KEEPERS WEEK

The third Sunday in July celebrates National Zoo Keeper Week by focusing on efforts made by all zoo keepers who protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats.

#NationalZooKeepersWeek

Zoo keepers are educators and wildlife ambassadors and National Zoo Keepers Week raises awareness of the remarkable work they do year-round. This week we take time and acknowledge zoo keeper efforts by thanking them for the educating us about wildlife and how to enhance conservation efforts.

Unsurprisingly, there is a shortage of qualified zoo keepers everywhere. Filling these positions can be challenging. Zoos across the country encourage people to browse job openings to help prepare for a career as a zoo keeper.

Zoo Keeper Responsibilities

Of course the life of a zookeeper looks like fun. However, there is a lot of work behind-the-scenes we don't normally see. For example, the zoo environment can be dirty and smelly, not to mention physically exhausting. Zoo keepers also work in all weather conditions, ranging from scorching summer heat to freezing winter blizzards. Let's not forget the dangers of working closely with wild animals, too.

Besides taking care of animals, the daily tasks of a zoo keeper often vary. In some cases, a zoo keeper handles mechanical repairs or performs record-keeping tasks. In other cases, they also work on advertising to draw customers into the zoo. Obviously, a zoo keeper wears many hats and is a jack of all trades.

OBSERVING #NationalZooKeeperWeek

Read about zoo keeping. There are a lot of great sites online to start with. If the profession sounds like something you might be interested in, consider interning at a zoo. You could also think about volunteering at your local zoo to gain the necessary experience to become a zoo keeper.

Visit your local zoo, take tons of photos and share them all on social media using #NationalZooKeeperWeek.

NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK HISTORY

In 2007, the American Association of Zoo Keepers worked with the U.S. Congress to make the 3rd week of July National Zoo Keeper Week.