Blank Park Zoo Paying Tribute to Their Zookeepers This Week

By Ryan Bickel 

Des Moines, IA - Many people might think the job responsibilities of a zookeeper would be best highlighted on the television show “Dirty Jobs.” Keepers at Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo disagree.

“Some people think all we do is shovel scat,” said Jeff Dier, Animal Curator. “Forty years ago that’s mostly what zookeeping was about, but it’s not the case anymore.”

Typical responsibilities of keepers vary with the animals they keep, but one time intensive activity is meal preparation. On any typical morning, keepers can be found chopping vegetables and fruits, mixing nuts and pellets, and cutting browse for wallabies and giraffe. Zookeeper Val Hautekeete says the time preparing meals usually takes her about an hour each day. Each species has a balanced diet approved by the veterinarian.

Other activities include shifting animals onto exhibit every day, animal enrichment, studying animal behavior for signs of illness or stress, talking with visitors, promoting conservation awareness and husbandry training the animals so they can actually participate in their own care. The Blank Park Zoo’s training program started about five years ago and includes Sea Lions, Seal, Great Cats, Red Pandas, Giraffe, Servals and others.

“Training is rewarding for the keepers as well as the animals… I treat the animal as a coworker,” said Bonnie Van Ellen, Senior Animal Keeper. “Zookeeping is a great job because I like animals, work outside and study the animal’s unique personalities and behaviors which are different everyday.”

Keepers also have to be creative. When safety improvements changed the way the giraffe entered their exhibit this spring, at first the animals refused to leave the barn because they are very wary of change. Over a two-week process, zookeeper Lisa Ashburn patiently trained the giraffe to go out a little farther each day until they reached the exhibit.

Keepers need to have plenty of patience. Getting a stubborn 600 pound Aldabra Tortoise to move at closing time can be challenging.

When the availability of moon jellyfish diminished, Kirk Embree, Senior Aquarist, spent just a little money but a whole lot of time developing a system to grow the Zoo’s own jellyfish. The system uses parts, including a bath tub, purchased at a home improvement store. The system has been so successful; the Blank Park Zoo has been able to supply many zoos around the United States.

Kevin Drees, Director of Animal Care & Conservation is proud of the many successes the zookeeping staff have had including the breeding birds like the sliver-eared mesia and the mousebird that few other zoos have had success with in a public environment such as the Zoo’s Discover Center.

“When you think about it, zookeeping is an important job because of the role it plays in the conservation and protection of endangered animals to ensure they will be around for the next generation,” said Drees.

Zookeeping is also a popular job. The last time a position came available, the Blank Park Zoo received a hundred applications within a few hours.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver has proclaimed July 19-25 in Iowa “Zookeeper Week.” Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie will also make a proclamation at 11am today at the Blank Park Zoo. The Blank Park Zoo keepers were also honored Monday night, July 20th before the Iowa Cubs game. Keeper John Krogmeier threw out the first pitch.

The Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open everyday 10am-5pm. Admission is $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children under 12, and $7.95 for seniors and active military. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at http://www.blankparkzoo.com. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.

To view Blank Park Zoo's web page on ZOo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-113-Blank_Park_Zoo_in_Iowa

Photo: From Right to left: Blank Park Zoo Animal Care staff being recognized at Iowa Cubs game on July 21, 2009:
Jeff Dier, John Krogmeier, Jessie Weeks, Rachael Cohen, Keiko Sampson, Kathy Cross, Bonnie Van Ellen, Val Hautekeete, Kevin Drees holding Kadin Drees.