Celebrating the Unsung Heroes--Animal Care Staff

In honor of National Zookeeper week we wanted to shout-out the true heroes at any animal facility. The animal care staff. Hardworking, dedicated and incredibly talented, these folks don't get enough credit. Well, we want you to know how much we appreciate you!

Transcript

SPEAKER_01: 0:00

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Conservation Beyond the Cage. I'm Karen McGovern from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.

SPEAKER_00: 0:07

I'm Alex, and this is more of a shout-out than an episode, but it's a very special one. We're taking time to honor the unsung heroes of every animal facility, whether it's a zoo, a rescue center, a sanctuary. Or even a small domestic rehab, our animal care staff. That's

SPEAKER_01: 0:24

right. This week, July 20th through the 26th, is National Zookeeper Week. It's a time to celebrate and recognize the incredible dedication, strength, and heart that animal care professionals bring to this field every single day.

SPEAKER_00: 0:39

And when we say every single day, we mean it literally. This job doesn't clock out. Animals don't take weekends. They don't celebrate holidays. They don't care if it's your birthday or if you haven't slept in 36 hours. Nope. Rain,

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snow, blistering heat, or hurricanes. The animals still need to be fed, cleaned, and cared for. And it's our animal care staff that makes sure that happens no matter what. And believe me, I speak from experience. RSCF is located in South Florida, and we've seen more than our fair share of hurricanes.

SPEAKER_00: 1:12

Through every storm or natural disaster, they were there. Boarding up buildings, capturing and evacuating animals, and making sure everyone was safe. Then showing up for the cleanup after. I

SPEAKER_01: 1:23

mean, let's be real. This job is hard. It's physically demanding. You're on your feet all day. You're lifting, scrubbing, climbing, hauling food, preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, monitoring behavior, and sometimes dealing with the public. And emotionally, it's a roller coaster.

SPEAKER_00: 1:39

And let's talk about that emotional part, because we don't talk about it enough. The psychological toll of this work is real. You form deep bonds with the animals you care for. You're their protector, their advocate, their lifeline. And when something goes wrong, when an animal gets sick or injured or worse, you carry that.

SPEAKER_01: 1:58

Yeah, and it doesn't matter how long you've been doing it. It still hits hard. And because the job is so immersive, it's hard to disconnect. There's compassion fatigue, burnout, even grief, especially in facilities working with critically endangered or trauma-rescued animals.

SPEAKER_00: 2:14

So much of this work is done quietly, behind the scenes, and often without the mental health support that other high-stress careers might offer. It takes a toll. And yet people keep showing up, day after day. because they love these animals and they believe in what they're doing.

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They're the eyes and ears of any facility, the front line, the ones who can tell you that the bongo didn't eat all their hay this morning and that probably means something, that the parrot's call sounds just a little different today, that the pacing in the corner isn't just routine, it's a sign.

SPEAKER_00: 2:49

They know those animals better than anyone else because they've built trust. That kind of relationship doesn't come easy. It takes time. patience, consistency, and deep empathy. And most of all, commitment. These folks don't do this for glory or recognition. Honestly, most do it for very little pay and a whole lot of heartache. And yet,

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without them, none of this would work. Research, education, breeding programs, rehabilitation, conservation, it all rests on the foundation of day-to-day quality care, the quiet, back-breaking, unglamorous work that keeps animals alive, healthy, and thriving.

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You may not think of somebody in muddy boots, covered in mosquito bites and sweat, as a superhero. But let me tell you, To the animals in their care, they are better than anything wearing a cape and tights. They are lifelines, guardians, family.

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We couldn't do what we do without them, period. If you're listening and you've ever cleaned a stall, prepared a specialized diet, bottle-fed a baby at 3 a.m., or held the line during a hurricane, you are the heart of this work. And this week, we honor you.

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To all the zookeepers, wildlife rehabbers, domestic animal caretakers, vet techs, interns, volunteers, you are not invisible. You are essential. Thank you for everything you do, even when no one's watching.

SPEAKER_01: 4:13

if you're out there and you know someone who works in animal care send them a note buy them a coffee let them know they matter better yet ask them what their favorite animal is and why you'll get the best stories just don't ask them to pick one favorite You'll be there for hours. And on behalf of RSCF, I want to personally thank our incredible animal care team, Matt Morris, Carolyn Smith, Aletta Mitrovic, Manny Medina, Cassie Snow, Kendall Missimer, and Rodnisha Gordon. You guys are the heartbeat of RSCF.

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Before we go, let's say this. Yes, this job is hard. It will challenge you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It will break your heart sometimes, but it will also fill it. If you're out there thinking, could I do this? Try. Shadow a keeper, volunteer, take a class, ask questions, and get your hands dirty. Thank

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you to everyone out there doing

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the work. You are the quiet heroes. compassionate, fierce, and irreplaceable.