National Zoo Keepers Appreciation Week! July 15-19th

National Zookeeper Week is the perfect time to recognize the incredible work that our dedicated animal management staff does to not only keep the zoo's animals healthy and happy, but to also teach our visitors about conservation and zoology.

The job of the zookeeper is much more than feeding and cleaning up after animals. Today's keepers engage the animals in their own care, using training and enrichment to give animals the opportunity to act like their wild selves. Keepers must keep close watch over the animals in their care in order to detect any indication of illness, which animals instinctively hide because it shows a sign a weakness in the wild. Keepers also contribute to the overall body of knowledge about animals by participating in behavioral research, and many are active in international conservation efforts.

If you're at the zoo this week, be sure to say hi to the keepers and wish them a happy National Zoo Keeper Week! And don't be afraid to ask questions when you see a keeper out and about around the zoo-that's often the best way to hear insider stories about the animals or to get great tips on how and when to best view them!

Be sure to stop by during one of the events planned throughout the week (details below):



Thank a Zoo Keeper!

Create a thank you card for our Zoo Keepers
Create OR bring in a Thank you card for your HVZ zookeepers and receive a pack of Zoo animal trading cards!

When: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Where: The Visitor Center



Dress Like a Zookeeper

ALL DAY, Monday through Friday, when you visit the Zoo, wear "zookeeper"-type clothes to the zoo as a way to recognize your hard working HVZ zookeepers.



Learn about the Zoo Keepers!

Always wanted to meet a Zoo Keeper? Now's your chance!
Come to our KEEPER TALKS
Unless noted below, keeper talks will take place at the Visitor Center.

Red Panda Talk - Tuesday at 1:30 at Red Panda Exhibit
Penguin Conservation - Wednesday at 12:30 - at Visitor Center
Animal Training Thursday at 12:30 at the Visitor Center
Zoo Keeping as a Career - Friday at 12:30 at the Visitor Center