North Carolina Zoo Celebrating National Zoo Keeper Week, July 19-25

By Rod Hackney

Asheboro, NC - In recognition of the dedication of zoo keepers and aquarists, the North Carolina Zoo will join the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and zoos and aquariums across the nation in celebrating National Zoo Keeper Week, July 19-25.

According to AAZK President Shane Good, “The national celebration is in recognition of zoo keepers, aquarists and animal care professionals in our nation's zoological parks and aquariums. Zoo keepers serve as animal care experts, frontline educators, and conservationists. We are proud to have zoo keepers recognized for the important work they do on behalf of wildlife and conservation.”

Created by AAZK, Inc, National Zoo Keeper Week is celebrated each year beginning the third Sunday in July. During the week, zoos nationwide honor animal care professionals and the work they do in animal care, conservation, and education. There are approximately 6,000 animal care professionals in the United States.

The N.C. Zoo’s AAZK Chapter includes 26 current keepers as well as retired keepers, veterinary staff and education staff. Through 2009 the group has raised $88,562 for the National AAZK fundraiser “Bowling for Rhinos,” which supports field conservation of rhinos in Africa and Indonesia.

In addition, the N.C. Zoo group has supported many local and national funds and conservation groups, including the Cori Palermo Memorial Browse Garden Fund, the Denver Zoo Project Golden Frog, the Red Wolf Coalition, the Center for Ecosystem Survival, the Kendall Project, the Ape Conservation Effort, the N.C. Herpetological Society, Defenders of Wildlife and the Black Bear Coalition. Chapter members also help educate zoo visitors about animals during a number of zoo special events, including “Bee a Bear” weekends in June, “Earth Day,” “Migratory Bird Day,” and “Feast of the Beasts.”

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is 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 zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dee Freeman, Secretary; Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor.

To view North Carolina Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-22-North_Carolina_Zoo