Celebrating the Unsung Heroes--Animal Care Staff

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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!

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Episode Transcript

SPEAKER_01 (00:00):
Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to ConservationBeyond the Cage.
I'm Karen McGovern from the RareSpecies Conservatory Foundation.

SPEAKER_00 (00:07):
I'm Alex, and this is more of a shout-out than an
episode, but it's a very specialone.
We're taking time to honor theunsung heroes of every animal
facility, whether it's a zoo, arescue center, a sanctuary.
Or even a small domestic rehab,our animal care staff.
That's

SPEAKER_01 (00:24):
right.
This week, July 20th through the26th, is National Zookeeper
Week.
It's a time to celebrate andrecognize the incredible
dedication, strength, and heartthat animal care professionals
bring to this field every singleday.

SPEAKER_00 (00:39):
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 yourbirthday or if you haven't slept
in 36 hours.
Nope.
Rain,

SPEAKER_01 (00:54):
snow, blistering heat, or hurricanes.
The animals still need to befed, cleaned, and cared for.
And it's our animal care staffthat makes sure that happens no
matter what.
And believe me, I speak fromexperience.
RSCF is located in SouthFlorida, and we've seen more
than our fair share ofhurricanes.

SPEAKER_00 (01:12):
Through every storm or natural disaster, they were
there.
Boarding up buildings, capturingand evacuating animals, and
making sure everyone was safe.
Then showing up for the cleanupafter.
I

SPEAKER_01 (01:23):
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, cleaningenclosures, monitoring behavior,
and sometimes dealing with thepublic.
And emotionally, it's a rollercoaster.

SPEAKER_00 (01:39):
And let's talk about that emotional part, because we
don't talk about it enough.
The psychological toll of thiswork is real.
You form deep bonds with theanimals you care for.
You're their protector, theiradvocate, their lifeline.
And when something goes wrong,when an animal gets sick or
injured or worse, you carrythat.

SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
Yeah, and it doesn't matter how long you've been
doing it.
It still hits hard.
And because the job is soimmersive, it's hard to
disconnect.
There's compassion fatigue,burnout, even grief, especially
in facilities working withcritically endangered or
trauma-rescued animals.

SPEAKER_00 (02:14):
So much of this work is done quietly, behind the
scenes, and often without themental 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 animalsand they believe in what they're
doing.

SPEAKER_01 (02:32):
They're the eyes and ears of any facility, the front
line, the ones who can tell youthat the bongo didn't eat all
their hay this morning and thatprobably means something, that
the parrot's call sounds just alittle different today, that the
pacing in the corner isn't justroutine, it's a sign.

SPEAKER_00 (02:49):
They know those animals better than anyone else
because they've built trust.
That kind of relationshipdoesn't come easy.
It takes time.
patience, consistency, and deepempathy.
And most of all, commitment.
These folks don't do this forglory or recognition.
Honestly, most do it for verylittle pay and a whole lot of

(03:11):
heartache.
And yet,

SPEAKER_01 (03:12):
without them, none of this would work.
Research, education, breedingprograms, rehabilitation,
conservation, it all rests onthe foundation of day-to-day
quality care, the quiet,back-breaking, unglamorous work
that keeps animals alive,healthy, and thriving.

SPEAKER_00 (03:31):
You may not think of somebody in muddy boots, covered
in mosquito bites and sweat, asa superhero.
But let me tell you, To theanimals in their care, they are
better than anything wearing acape and tights.
They are lifelines, guardians,family.

SPEAKER_01 (03:45):
We couldn't do what we do without them, period.
If you're listening and you'veever cleaned a stall, prepared a
specialized diet, bottle-fed ababy at 3 a.m., or held the line
during a hurricane, you are theheart of this work.
And this week, we honor you.

SPEAKER_00 (03:59):
To all the zookeepers, wildlife rehabbers,
domestic animal caretakers, vettechs, interns, volunteers, you
are not invisible.
You are essential.
Thank you for everything you do,even when no one's watching.

SPEAKER_01 (04:13):
if you're out there and you know someone who works
in animal care send them a notebuy them a coffee let them know
they matter better yet ask themwhat their favorite animal is
and why you'll get the beststories just don't ask them to
pick one favorite You'll bethere for hours.
And on behalf of RSCF, I want topersonally thank our incredible
animal care team, Matt Morris,Carolyn Smith, Aletta Mitrovic,

(04:36):
Manny Medina, Cassie Snow,Kendall Missimer, and Rodnisha
Gordon.
You guys are the heartbeat ofRSCF.

SPEAKER_00 (04:44):
Before we go, let's say this.
Yes, this job is hard.
It will challenge youphysically, emotionally, and
mentally.
It will break your heartsometimes, but it will also fill
it.
If you're out there thinking,could I do this?
Try.
Shadow a keeper, volunteer, takea class, ask questions, and get

(05:05):
your hands dirty.
Thank

SPEAKER_01 (05:07):
you to everyone out there doing

SPEAKER_00 (05:21):
the work.
You are the quiet heroes.
compassionate, fierce, andirreplaceable.