Submitted Photo From left to right, zookeepers Ellie Johnson, Quinn Iffert, Chelsea Mihalick and Ryan Pederson are excited about enrichment donations for Roosevelt Park Zoo.

AAZK National Zoo Keeper Week begins on Sunday, July 21, and runs through Saturday, July 27.

AAZK, pronounced a-zack, is an acronym for the American Association of Zookeepers, a membership association for animal care professionals to exchange information and network with one another. It was established in 1967 in San Diego, California, with the purpose of promoting professionalism in zoo keeping by educating the zoological staff members in the most modern and current techniques of captive exotic animal care. Today membership is about 2,800 individuals and includes all levels of zoo staff from directors, curators and veterinarians to zookeepers, animal health technicians, volunteers and students. Members range from 48 of the 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 24 foreign countries, representing nearly 250 animal-related facilities.

National Zoo Keeper Week was introduced to Congress as House Resolution 509 on June 21, 2007, by Representative Susan A. Davis. The resolution was proposed to encourage individuals on a national level to engage in programs, activities and ceremonies during National Zoo Keeper Week which encourage species conservation and public awareness of the important role of zoos in wildlife conservation. Since that initial year, activities and events have grown and evolved depending on each AAZK chapter or facility. As animal professionals, zookeepers can be found caring for the animals three hundred and sixty-five days a year, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, in all weather (from hurricanes to blizzards, to heat waves, and everything in between), keepers must be ready for anything. From a management standpoint, my greatest concern during times of extreme weather has always been focused more on the zookeepers than the animals. As a past zookeeper myself, I’ve always known that they will do whatever is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the animals, regardless of the challenges.

They are involved in captive animals’ lives and welfare from birth to death and every moment in between, and often create lifelong bonds. A keeper’s day can include an array of tasks including cleaning, food preparation and feed out, medical treatment, training, enrichment, landscaping, exhibit design, animal introductions, public outreach and education, and much more. But, in the end, being a zookeeper, aquarist, aviculturist – whatever you call it, they’re all animal care professionals, and it is more than just a job. It’s a career; it’s a passion, it’s a calling. THAT’S why we recognize zookeepers year-round, and THAT’S why we have a week dedicated to promoting their skills, dedication, and enthusiasm for wildlife.

As Sunday approaches, we are looking forward to celebrating the dedication, sacrifices, and professionalism of our staff, making sure they and their efforts are spotlighted all week long. The job is filled with highs and lows, and every day working with animals offers something different. I invite you to join us in celebrating NZK Week and be sure to let them know how much you appreciate the work they do during this week and every day of the year.