Celebrating National Zookeeper Week
July 12, 2012—In recognition of the dedicated work of zookeepers and aquarists, zoos and aquaria across the nation come together to celebrate National Zookeeper Week from July 15 to July 21. Sequoia Park Zoo and the newly-formed local chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) will be offering a range of activities for visitors as part of the festivities.
“Come celebrate Zookeeper Week with us at Sequoia Park Zoo” said Amanda Auston of the Redwood Coast Chapter of the AAZK. “We will have keeper talks, special treats for the animals and behind the scenes tours all week. Learn what ‘enrichment” is and why we use it daily at the zoo, watch training sessions with the Gibbons and Red pandas, and discover the important role keepers play in wildlife education and conservation.”
Created by the AAZK in 1967, National Zookeeper Week is celebrated each year beginning on the third Sunday in July. During the week, zoos and other certified animal care and conservation organizations nationwide honor animal care professionals and the work they do.
Sequoia Park Zoo's National Zookeeper Week Events Calendar
Note: Behind The Scenes tours do not require advance reservations, but will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis the day they are scheduled.
Sunday, July 15:
- 11 a.m.: Keeper Talk - Red panda
- 1 p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour: Barnyard and Compost
- See our Barnyard kitchen, feed room, and how we compost all the Barnyard waste!
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Opossum
Monday, July 16:
- 11 a.m.: Animal Training
- Watch a training session with the Gibbons! Learn why training benefits both the animals and their keepers.
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk: Porcupine
Tuesday, July 17:
- 11 a.m.: Keeper Talk - Red Panda
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Opossum
Wednesday, July 18:
- 11 a.m.: Enrichment Presentation
- See how keepers keep things exciting and new for the animals, and how important enrichment is to animal welfare.
- 1 p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour: Keeper Kitchen
- See all the enrichment resources we have to choose from, how we store and make the animals’ food, etc.
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Porcupine
Thursday, July 19:
- 11 a.m.: Keeper Talk – Red panda
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Porcupine
Friday, July 20:
- 11 a.m.: Keeper Talk - Peccary
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Spotted Owl
Saturday, July 21:
- 11 a.m.: Keeper Talk – Red panda
- 1 p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour: Animal Care Center and Bear Night House
- See how we care for our animals and get a behind-the-scenes peek at Rosemary’s private room.
- 2 p.m.: Keeper Talk - Porcupine
About the American Association of Zookeepers
The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) a non-profit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence in the zoo keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life. For more information, visit www.aazk.org.
The Redwood Coast Chapter of the AAZK was formed in January 2012 by employees and volunteers of Sequoia Park Zoo. The Redwood Coast Chapter's mission is to support conservation, encourage environmental stewardship, and enhance animal care through enrichment and professional development.
Photo caption: Sequoia Park Zookeeper Camden Bruner cares for goats in the Zoo's Barnyard.
Contact: Amanda Auston
Phone: (707) 273-7437
E-mail: aauston@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Return to the Press Room for more zoo news.
