World Day of zookeepers

The zookeepers are quite special experts. Their work requires, on the one hand, a very broad theoretical knowledge, and on the other hand, a great deal of practical experience. We can also add that, in addition to expertise, a kind of special sense is also needed for this sacrificial profession, where a person must be a zoologist, animal breeder, trainer, and we could list many more roles.

It is certain that they are a bit of educators too, because the caretakers have not only their entrusted animals to deal with, but the general public also tends to ask them a lot of questions. In fact, we specifically organize programs where the caretakers talk about their animals. Be there! There are plenty of such occasions in our series of experience programs, but one of the most interesting parts of the upcoming Zoo Foster Parents Meeting this Sunday is the “parent-teacher meeting”, when the zookeepers report to the foster parents who have adopted the Zoo’s residents about how the adopted animal’s daily life goes, or perhaps what mischief it has recently committed.

Our Zoo’s first animal caretaker – although this position was called “animal guard” at the time – was Angelo Guzzanato of Italian origin, who became a member of the Zoo team even before the opening in 1866, as the arriving animals had to be taken care of even then. Nowadays, approximately one hundred zookeepers are working in our Zoo and Botanical Garden. Of course, there is specialization among them, as caring for an elephant, a lion, a flamingo, a shark, or even a bird spider requires completely different approaches. But the basics of the profession are of course the same. Love for animals, dedication, perseverance, and the ability to always learn something new, never being lazy to further expand one’s knowledge, are required.

The renowned Gerald Durrell, who is credited with the creation of the first zoo that aimed to preserve endangered species from its inception, concluded in his youth, while interning at the Whipsnade Zoo, that one of the most important factors for the success of zoos is the zookeepers. For this reason, it was also considered important to appreciate this very beautiful, but at the same time very difficult work.