For this week’s view from the zoo we will be celebrating international zookeeper day! Every October 4th is the recognition of the huge contribution zookeepers make to the care and conservation of all species great and small.



For many endangered species captivity is unfortunately their last hope of survival so it will always be a rewarding job for those who dedicate their lives to saving species by way of conservation, breeding programs, education, outreach, and research.



Here at Flamingo Land All the keepers here at the zoo are extremely devoted to the work that they are doing. Come rain or shine they are always working hard for the animals and for the members of the public. All animals require specialist care and attention, whether it’s cleaning the fish tanks in the aquarium, feeding meat to our large carnivores like lions and tigers, training our birds and sea lions for their displays, giving a giraffe a pedicure or even mucking out our huge Rhino enclosures!

All the animals you see here at Flamingo Land are part of an international breeding programme where zoos help increase the population of endangered animals and can move them on to different collections across the world. Zoo’s are all pursuing the same goal as are our keepers who work alongside every animal ensuring they are given the best life possible in captivity. This involves training the animals, feeding them, rewarding them, giving them veterinarian care should they need it and of course cleaning up after them. It can be a long journey to become a zoo keeper to begin with as a degree based in zoology or equivalent is extremely helpful as well as experience with any animals giving them the best care possible even domesticated ones gives you a huge advantage! It is a very physical job so luckily all of our keepers fit, strong, enthusiastic and very hard working people.

This celebratory day includes all who make it their life’s work to care for animals, whether they are involved with zoos, sanctuaries, aquariums, rescue centres, parks or reserves. The date is celebrated worldwide as the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Since 1979 he has been known as Patron Saint of animals and the environment. He preached that it is the duty of everyone to protect and enjoy nature. Here is a picture of some our Zookeepers in action on this special day.