What Do Zookeepers Do

Zookeepers are people who take care of the animals that live in zoos. They feed the animals, clean their homes, and make sure they stay healthy. Zookeepers also teach visitors about the animals and why we need to protect them. It is a job for people who truly love animals.

A Zookeeper's Day

Zookeepers start their mornings early by preparing food for the animals. Each animal eats something different, so keepers must know every animal's diet. They clean the enclosures to keep the animals healthy. Zookeepers watch the animals carefully for any signs of sickness. They also create toys and games to keep the animals active and happy.

Helping Animals Survive

Zookeepers do more than just feed animals. They help endangered species have babies so the species does not disappear. Many zoos work on programs to release animals back into the wild. Zookeepers teach visitors why it is important to protect habitats. They are working hard to save animals for future generations.

Fun Facts

• Some zookeepers hand-raise baby animals that are rejected by their mothers.
• A zookeeper might take care of animals as different as snakes, penguins, and elephants in one day.
• Zoos around the world work together to protect over 1,000 endangered species.

Did You Know?

The oldest zoo still open today is the Vienna Zoo in Austria. It has been open since 1752, which means it is over 270 years old!