Zookeeper

A zookeeper takes care of the animals that live at the zoo. They start the day by checking on each animal, then chop fruit and vegetables, scoop food into bowls, and fill up the water. For example, they might hide treats inside a cardboard box for a monkey to find, or scrub a pool so the otters have clean water to splash in. They work with other keepers and with the animal doctors, and they notice small things, like an animal eating a little less than usual.

Because a zookeeper pays such close attention, the animals stay healthy, comfortable and busy. Zookeepers also tell visitors about the animals, so children can learn how a giraffe eats or why a penguin waddles. When you watch a happy elephant splashing in its pond, a zookeeper helped make that happen. They take care of animals the way you might take care of a pet, only with a lot more animals.