National Zoo Keeper Week

While the animals are certainly front and center on any visit to the zoo, this event is all about showing appreciation for those who take care of them – the zoo keepers! National Zoo Keeper Week brings to the fore those humans who are usually in the background making sure the zoo animals in their care are happy and healthy. 

How to Celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week

Go wild and get celebrating National Zoo Keeper Week with some of these interesting ideas:

Visit the Zoo

Of course, one of the highest honors that can be paid during National Zoo Keepers Week would be to head over to the local zoo and catch them in the act of taking care of the animals! In fact, many zoos have special times where animals are fed and the patrons are allowed to interact with the zookeepers, which means this might be a perfect opportunity to show them some appreciation and thank them for their dedication to what they do!

Recognize Zoo Keepers

Staff, managers, board members and others with a vested interest in zoos, whether large or small, can observe National Zoo Keepers Week with a wide range of activities aimed at celebrating and appreciating their zoo keepers. Consider offering thanks and praise in staff meetings or hosting appreciation events for the staff. Or give them a big shout out on social media to show how much these zoo keepers are needed and appreciated!

History of National Zoo Keeper Week

After successful lobbying and other efforts by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), the United States Congress officially recognized National Zoo Keeper Week starting in 2007. As a non-profit organization made up of both professional zoo keepers and also others who are interested in and dedicated to the upkeep and care of animals and conservation, the AAZK sponsors this event annually.

Some of the purposes behind National Zoo Keeper Week include promoting the animal keeping profession while fostering opportunities to educate the public on wildlife care and protection, particularly in vanishing habitats. According to the AAZK, zoo keepers are considered to be not only carers and protectors of the animals themselves, but they also take on a role as wildlife conservation ambassadors.