Zookeeper Stories

Episode 8 – Lindsey King

Episode 7 – Kristy Williams

Episode 6 Ashley Roberts

Episode 5 – Ann Knutson

Episode 4 – Chad and Jill Harmon

Episode 3 – Rochelle Willison

I speak with Blaine Peluso-Miller, keeper at the Abilene Zoo. He gives a different perspective than we have ever had on the show before. Blaine is a second year zookeeper that has recently gone through the trials and tribulations of breaking into the field with a full-time paid position. We also discuss his four-part article series, Zoos and Zookeepers: The Roles of an Industry and its People which you can find here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/zoos-zookeepers-roles-industry-its-people-four-part-blaine

I speak with zookeeper Becky Wolf about her journey that began in Philadelphia as an intern. She shares stories about unexpectedly becoming a bird keeper at the Dallas Zoo before moving over to carnivores and eventually to her current home in San Diego. Becky is currently involved in an awesome research project with polar bears. We also discuss what it's like to be low on the seniority list which is how things like days off and vacation time is decided.

Part two of a conversation with Monika Zabinskas, threatened species keeper at Healesville Sanctuary. Monika recaps Devil Facial Tumor Disease and speaks about a harrowing encounter with buffalo. We wrap up with discussing differences between American and Australian zoos.

I speak with Monika Zabinskas, Tasmanian Devil Keeper at the Healesville Sanctuary in Australia. She tells stories about her upbringing at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the bush. She shares stories about her conservation work in Africa as well. Stick around for the final segment on Devil Facial Tumor Disease where Monika drops some serious knowledge. I enjoyed this converation and learned so much more than I expected going in. I hope you all enjoy it and will come back for part two of her story.