Skeptics

Being a former zookeeper, I have been met with many questions as to why I chose that profession. My first thought is that I love animals. By being a zookeeper, not only do I get to form a special bond with some of the world’s greatest animals, but I get to inform the general public as to why these animals are worth saving.

I also have met my fair share of skeptics.

Such as:

Why don’t you just leave the animals in the wild?

Zoos do nothing but mistreat their animals!

I have heard all of these statements numerous times over my years as a zookeeper. Well let me set the record straight.

Why don’t you just leave the animals in the wild?

WE WOULD LOVE THAT, but unfortunately most of the “wild” habitats that these animals use to call home, are gone now thanks to the human race. We have taken over almost of the wild territory for our own, and with no respect for the animals that use to call it home as well. Therefore, there isn’t a “wild” for us to send them back to. So we created zoos. A safe haven for animals, and a way for the general public to learn about them.

Zoos do nothing but mistreat their animals!

Now this is a straight up lie! Every zookeeper can attest to the fact that we are not zookeepers for the money. I, alongside every other zookeeper, love animals. That’s why we became zookeepers! Our love for animals is the reason we work 8-12 hour days, sometimes overnight, and in the boiling heat of the summer, and the freezing temperatures of the winter. We love our animals and would do absolutely anything for them.

Although I love all animals, there are a few animals that have my heart. A Malaysian Tiger, named Kumar is one. I first met him when I was a volunteer. Once I got hired I made it a point to see him every day before I left. Tigers have always fascinated me, and I hope that one day the tiger population in the wild will grow back to where it was 15 years ago. This is my hope for all endangered animals. Being faced with reality, I know it is a long shot. But I hope that one day the world can work together and save all of the endangered species, before it’s too late! 

Kumar asleep after eating his lunch

Being caught eating the bark of the tree.