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Indianapolis Zoo Honors a Profession of Dedication
During National Zoo Keeper Week
 In recognition of the dedication of zoo keepers and aquarists, the Indianapolis Zoo is joining the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and zoos and aquariums across the nation in celebrating National Zoo Keeper Week, July 18-24, 2010. Created by AAZK, Inc, National Zoo Keeper Week is celebrated each year beginning on the third Sunday in July. During the week, zoos nationwide honor the approximately 6,000 animal care professionals in the United States and the work they do in animal care, conservation, and education. The Indianapolis Zoo is participating by recognizing its zoo keeper staff members during the week, and the zoo keepers in turn try to raise public awareness about the need to preserve our precious habitats and the animals that inhabit them.
Indianapolis Zoo President & CEO Mike Crowther commented, “Whether they work in an office or out on campus, the team we have here is the best I’ve seen in my 35-year career. They are smart, educated, skilled, and committed, and they are driven to advance our mission. They are internationally recognized for their skill and competency, but it’s their hearts that really make the difference. They do their jobs so the Indianapolis Zoo can empower people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.”
Encounters Area Manager Jackie Curts interacts with one of the Zoo's llamas. Photo by Amber Birkey.
Click here to learn more about the work of the AAZK Indianapolis Chapter.
 Shane Good, President of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., added, “This national celebration is in recognition of zoo keepers, aquarists, and the animal care professionals in our nation's zoological parks and aquariums. Zookeepers serve as animal care experts, frontline educators, and conservationists. We are proud to have zookeepers recognized for the important work they do on behalf of wildlife and conservation.”
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence in the zoo keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
Membership is currently about 2,800 and includes individuals at all levels of zoo staff from directors, curators and veterinarians to zoo keepers, animal health technicians, volunteers and students. Members are from 48 of the 50 States, 5 Canadian Provinces and 24 foreign countries and represent nearly 250 animal-related facilities. For more information, visit www.aazk.org.
Elephant manager Don Nevitt leads the way for Sophi, the matriarch of the Zoo's elephant herd.
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