In celebration of National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, Franklin Park Zoo invites guests for a special day on July 20 to see what it’s like to be a zookeeper.

See some of the day-to-day activities zookeepers participate in, such as animal feedings and trainings, and enjoy special scheduled zookeeper encounters where you can talk with a zookeeper about what it’s like to work with these animals every day.

Zoo New England’s dedicated team of animal care professionals provide the highest quality of care to all of the animals that call the Zoo home. A keeper’s day can include an array of tasks including cleaning, food preparation and feeding, medical treatment, training, enrichment, landscaping, exhibit design, animal introductions, public outreach and education, and so much more. Working with animals requires constant complex problem solving and progressive learning. Zookeepers are also involved in research projects, field work and impactful conservation initiatives to positively benefit wildlife and species survival.