Zookeeper Stories

Matt shares his story of not having a backup plan. It was zookeeper or bust for him as he worked his way from a small big cat rescue facility, to the Woodland Park Zoo, and eventually landing at the Akron Zoo. We also debut a new game, "Name That Animal".

Russell and I chat about how he leveraged a volunteer job into a paid internship, a giraffe attendant position, and eventually a full-time zookeeper job at the Dallas Zoo where he is now an important member of the elephant team.

Anthony gives us his unique perspective on the zoo world which is one of a former keeper that has now moved on to other professional goals. He shares his story of working his way up through the San Francisco Zoo from volunteer, intern, poop truck driver, hoofstock keeper and eventually ending up as the primary penguin keeper. He also shares with us his experience as the Vice-coordinator for the Magellanic Penguin Species Survival Plan and his thoughts about the Quarters for Conservation program started by Zoo Boise.

Lindsey tells her story of her early love of horses and how that helped foster her career aspirations. She shares her journey through multiple internships, the Elmwood Park Zoo, and eventually the San Diego Zoo. Lindsey has a true passion for marsupials that you can hear in her voice when she describes what it's like to work in close contact with them. We also discuss National Zookeeper week.

In episode seven I had the opportunity to speak with Kristy Williams, an Australian zookeeper who works for Zoos Victoria. Kristy did a keeper exchange and worked at the San Diego Zoo for six months, which is where I met her. Having worked at zoos in both countries, she shares some differences between American and Australian facilities. Kristy also describes what it's like to work with a ten-year-old platypus named Sam!

Ashley tells her story of growing up in eastern Washington and the path she took to get to where she is today. She shares also shares a story about a time when a male jaguar and a male lion became quite possessive of her attention.

I had so much fun talking to Ann about her journey to becoming a zookeeper at the Avian Propagation Center of the San Diego Zoo. She tells us about a Capuchin monkey sniper named Rusty and the time a penguin named Chile gave her some very special attention. We also chat about the upcoming Bowling For Rhinos Event on June 11th at Kearney Mesa Bowl. Stick around for the end as we chat about the horrible incident at the Cincinnati Zoo involving the late silverback gorilla Harambe. For more information about Bowling for Rhinos and the San Diego AAZK chapter, please visit http://sdaazk.com/ Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher

I'm so excited to share the story of Chad, Jill, and the Horns and Heroes Project this week. I really feel like it's our best episode yet in no small part due to the amazing work that the Harmons are doing for rhino conservation. I hope you all enjoy hearing it as much as I did.

In this episode we talk with Rochelle Willison and learn about her journey to an 18 year career as a zookeeper. You guys love embarrassing stories and Rochelle has an amazing one involving a red river hog piglet!

In this episode, we speak with Mori Pacheco who has been a zookeeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom for 14 years. She is currently working with okapi and other African hoofstock at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida.