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We are often asked: what is it that a zookeeper does? As a zookeeper, you must be able to carry out a large variation of tasks throughout the day. Keepers not only care for the animals, but they also help design and maintain the exhibits, grounds maintenance, record keeping, educate the visitors and much more.
As far as "how" a zookeeper cares for the animals:
- Feeding the animals - Animals get special “diets.” These diets are prepared everyday and so a keeper must know how much each animal gets, what nutrients or vitamins they need and when to feed them.
- Cleaning - Zookeepers spend a lot of their day cleaning exhibits and holding areas. It’s a messy part of the job, but it’s important for the health and well-being of the animals.
- Basic health - Zookeepers get to know the animals in their care very well so they are the best ones to monitor basic health and report unusual conditions to the veterinarians.
- Enrichment and training - Zookeepers provide enrichment activities that stimulate and challenge the animals. Most of these activities replicate natural animal behaviors. They also use behavioral training to assist with medical exams.
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