Without a clear understanding and knowledge of what a zookeeper is and what they do, many people form a different perception of the job description of a zookeeper. However, one of the biggest misconceptions among them has to be that zookeepers have a laid-back job of just cuddling with the animals and feeding them. Only if things could be that easy. However, for somebody who does love animals, being a zookeeper is certainly the best job they can find, despite all the challenges and difficulties. It may not be easy, but eventually, it does bring in a reward.
The primary role of a zookeeper is to ensure that the animals are safe at all times within their habitat. This means, unlike the preconceived notion of cuddling the animals all day, there is very limited physical contact between them. Especially considering that most of the animals found at a wildlife conservation center like Dubai Safari Park belong in the Primate and Carnivore categories. So while on the looks of it, these animals do look cute and fluffy, the danger for any zookeeper getting too close to them is similar to that of a tourist. Risk of severely injuring themselves. Let’s look at their schedule and the tasks they perform throughout the day.
Morning Feeds
The first task of the day for zookeepers, even before the gate of Dubai Safari Park opens, is to ensure that all the animals have been served breakfast. And yes, it is not easy to serve breakfast to over 3000 animals at the same time. Hence, the phrase feeding time at the zoo exists for a reason. The team of zookeepers ensures that they are well divided at the different villages of the park to serve the hungry mammals with their breakfast on time.
Cleaning
One of the most important tasks of the day, but certainly not the most lucrative one, is to thoroughly clean the entire area of the animal section. This is to ensure that when the visitors arrive, they see a nice and clean zoo, but also as part of their conservation efforts of providing animals a clean and hygienic place to live in at all times. However, while making sure that the zookeepers perform a thorough cleaning of the section, it also leaves them with the aroma of various animals. Considering the diversity that Dubai Safari Park showcases.
Interaction with Guests
Now that the basic tasks have been performed, they then get in the front to share some interesting insights on the animals residing at Dubai Safari Park. While it is no secret that some of the animals found here like Arabian Onyx or Komodo dragon are among the rare surviving species, they also have some fun and fascinating stories to share which are especially loved by the younger demographic audience.
Supervising Lemur Walkthrough
Zookeepers here need to train the animals and make sure they are ready for those friendly interactions with the guests, as they stroll around the village area and get up close with them. The whole point here is to make sure to keep enough distance so that the animals feel safe in their own space and the visitors do not invade their privacy. So, for the safety of both animals and visitors, the zookeeper needs to be sharp and alert at all times and keep a close eye on the visitors and the reaction of the animals.
Activities for the Animal
Being a wildlife conservation park, there is also an equal focus of attention being given to animals having some fun with activities designed for them to enrich them. It is also the most fun part of the job for the zookeepers. Here, zookeepers find themselves brainstorming various ideas to keep the animals engaged. Like creating an obstacle course or finding diverse ways of delivering food. This comes across as the most joyous part of the day for both the zookeepers and the animals, where they both can have fun.
Afternoon Feeds
Keeping in mind that animals usually have a larger appetite as compared to we humans, it is time to feed them again. Later in the afternoon, the animals are fed again to keep them charged till the night. As a result, they are served with an early dinner. Moreover, this is also the time when zookeepers have to take out the bins and empty them.
Cleaning of the Kitchen & Equipment
Preparing so many meals for so many animals is no easy task. It takes a toll on the kitchen. But to make sure that they are fed healthy food at all times, it is also vital to have a clean and hygienic kitchen. So, as the day is about to come to an end, the zookeepers assist in cleaning the kitchen area and the equipment. From the floor to the washing utensils, so that the area is neat for the meal preparation later in the evening.
Conclusion
This is what an average day of a zookeeper looks like in hindsight. And while it is true that not every day can be the same. Some can just feel like any other mundane task, while the others might just be fun and different; it is most certainly a passionate job for those who love being around animals and looking after them.
