It’s National Zookeepers Week!
Each year in July, accredited zoos across North America take time to recognize the outstanding work of their animal care professionals. Often working quietly behind the scenes but absolutely essential, zookeepers play a central role in the successful daily operations of zoological institutions. Their day begins well before the first visitors arrive and continues long after they leave. Every day, rain, wind, or snow, they are on the front lines, dedicating themselves with professionalism to the animals in their care, whether feathered, furry, or scaled.
Personalized care, avery day!
At Zoo de Granby, nearly forty animal care technicians look after our 1,500 animals. The Zoo is divided into different sections, and zookeepers are assigned to one or several areas depending on their role. Animal care is provided seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Most of their time is spent preparing diets tailored to each species’ nutritional needs, thoroughly cleaning habitats, closely monitoring the physical health of the animals, and ensuring optimal living conditions through seasonal habitat adaptations.
Building Trust
Beyond physical care, zookeepers are also key players in ensuring the animals’ psychological well-being.
Through carefully designed enrichment programs, they encourage natural behaviors and stimulate curiosity. With patience and respect, they build bonds of trust with the animals, allowing safe interactions and facilitating medical procedures through behavioral training.
These unique relationships are a testament not only to their expertise but also to their deep compassion and unwavering dedication to animal life.
Commited Ambassadors
The work of animal care technicians doesn't stop behind the scenes. They are also passionate communicators who share their knowledge of the species and the importance of conservation efforts, helping to raise awareness and shift public behavior. They also contribute to research, breeding, reintroduction, and rehabilitation programs—highlighting the vital role modern zoos play in protecting endangered species.
Being a zookeeper in an AZA-accredited facility is much more than a job, it’s a calling. It means choosing, day after day, to devote oneself to a mission greater than oneself.
It’s a path that is often physically and emotionally demanding yet filled with meaning and impact. Through their meticulous work and unwavering dedication, these devoted professionals embody the core values of responsible zoological institutions: respect for all living things, scientific rigor, and the hope of a better future for species at risk.
Technicians in actions!
