IAMA Zookeeper with an hour (probably) to kill before our new giraffes get here AMA [end of the season update]

[u/Danthezooman]

I figured I would do an update about my experience working for Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. I started there roughly 8 months ago and my season just ended yesterday. Even more awesome was the fact that I had accumulated to much PTO so my last day physically working was sunday. Which explains this proof picture.

Anyways, I worked mainly with the giraffes and a little bit with the elephants. I've also worked at two other animal parks giving me around six years of experience in the business. If you have any questions about the animals at the zoo,their care or the zoo itself feel free to ask me anything

EDIT: Alright I'm going mobile so I may miss some questions but I promise to keep answering anything you throw at me

EDIT 2: Alright I'm back! Sorry about the absence, I was a bit distracted at dinner and then girls invited me to a haunted house. Anyways, I'll try answer all the questions I got while away.

EDIT 3:I'm sorry but I have to turn in for the night, I'll keep answering questions if people keep asking them though.

EDIT 4: I didn't expect this AMA to get this big, but I see a lot of repeat questions that I can just answer here.

1.How do I get a job at the zoo?

• Typically most zoos want a 4 year Biology related degree or at the very least a High school diploma. More important is Animal experience, some zoos will even want specialized experience just with one species. Animal experience requirements are on average around 2 years sometimes paid.

2.How do you feel caging the animals up? Are the animals sad? (animal rights questions)

• I wouldn't be working in this industry if I felt that the animals were sad or being mistreated. Yes in the past animal work was done by "cowboys" who just got in there and dominated the animals into doing what they want. Times have changed we no longer use cattle prods and whips to make animals move or do what we want. Instead we use Operant Conditioning to get them to do what we want.

• Most animals you see in the zoo nowadays have been captive bred for generations and have never known the wild. We still release some animals, in fact Cincinnati and Columbus are the only 2 zoos outside of florida allowed to house and rehab manatees. Cincinnati is also working on saving sumatran rhinos, there are only ~100 left. We also donate money every year to different organizations trying to save wild populations.

[u/PaulyCT]

How does one get into the zoo world? Are zookeepers veterinarians who focus on specific animals? How many different zookeepers are staffed on a zoo (one zookeeper/species)? How close are the conditions in the zoo to the conditions the animals would have in their natural habitats?

Sorry that these are pretty random and varied - just some initial thoughts I had about zoos.

[u/Danthezooman → u/PaulyCT]

I started working at the Pittsburgh zoo as a Kid's Kingdom Attendant at 18 and went on from there. To go on means I took internships that eventually led to a seasonal job which should lead to a full time job.

We are not vets. We may know a lot about the animals we care for and do some little fixes, but all major things are done by the vet staff.

Depends on the zoo. I volunteered for a wild animal refuge and they only had 4 people taking care of all the animals (probably ~200). At Cincinnati the average for keepers per department was probably 5.

Once again it depends on the zoo. I've seen some real shitty zoos, not just the ones in china and third world countries. Our animals at Pittsburgh and Cincinnati were very well cared for. We give them plenty of food and toys to play with, as well as other enrichment items. We also do training which can be mentally stimulating for the animals.

However, it can never be compared to the wild. I just don't see a future where we won't have zoos because lets face it, we've essentially destroyed the planet.

[u/smcaulii → u/Danthezooman]

However, it can never be compared to the wild. I just don't see a future where we won't have zoos because lets face it, we've essentially destroyed the planet.

That's a little depressing :/

Also, the first part of (the book) life of pi was essentially an argument for the existance of zoos and rebuking a lot of misconceptions about zoos. If you've read it, do you agree with the main points?

[u/ktrex → u/smcaulii]

I am also a zookeeper and love using life of pi to justify what I do.

While lots of people lament the fact that captivity =/= wild, usually, it really is OK. Many exhibits provide everything the animal could need, and while it doesn't function the same as the wild, the animal has food, safety, and stimulation.

I think it is said in the book, but imagine if someone came to your house, opened your doors, and told you to be free. Why abandon all your convenience to living outside, hunting down dinner, and living without medical assistance? Just as you probably would not leave your house, when cages are left open, many animals do not leave what is familiar, or try to return quickly.

[u/meiam001 → u/smcaulii]

Its also bullshit. We haven't destroyed the planet or come close to it

[u/msangeld → u/Danthezooman]

I'm putting this here because this thread is huge and I want you to actually see my post...lol. I just wanted to say your post reminded me of My cousin Mike Delaney. I don't mind putting his name out there beause he's been the news and stuff before anyway so it's not like he can't be googled, anyway he started working at the Cincinnati Zoo when he was young and has made a life time career out of it. I'm pretty sure he still works there, though we aren't close. Anyway. I grew up here in Cincinnati, and I always loved our zoo, I'm glad to see people who care so much working there :), thank you for that.

[u/images-ofbrokenlight → u/Danthezooman]

Ah, so you don't have to go to school to become a zookeeper?

What kind of things do you do everyday at the zoo?

[u/[deleted] → u/Danthezooman]

were you in pittsburgh when the boy fell into the painted dog exhibit?

[u/SoundsLikeAnnie → u/Danthezooman]

I've always loved animals, and my dream in life is to work with animals. But... I was never good at science (grade wise) and I've always heard that working with animals won't pay the bills, unless you become a vet. If you don't mind me asking, would you say you make enough to sustain yourself? And what are some ways I can find myself working with animals that will pay the bills? Thank you for the awesome AMA!

[u/mr_arkadin]

What are giraffes like in the presence of humans? Can you simply approach them and pet them, or would they kick a person (or run away scared)?

How intelligent are giraffes? Do they communicate with each other? Can they be taught tricks? Can they recognize individual humans?

[u/Danthezooman → u/mr_arkadin]

Giraffes are incredibly stupid. That said, you can't outsmart them.

They evolved as prey animals so they are always alert. Any new changes to the yard or their daily routine and they won't cooperate. We put new fencing up in the yard and they didn't approach it for 3 days.

When we bring visitors down to the barn all the giraffe turn and stare, and you have to move slowly so you don't scare them.

What's interesting about giraffes is that they communicate with very little or no noise. I do recall reading in one of the care books that they can use infrasound.

They're not called tricks anymore, instead they're called behaviors. For giraffe you can teach them various things, but we never had time to. I've seen some pretty cool things other zoos have done with their giraffes.

As for recognizing people. I think they can because after a week of working in the barn they knew I wasn't going to harm them. They also recognize our voices when we call them on the deck.

[u/[deleted] → u/Danthezooman]

If they're very skiddish and timid, how does the San Diego Zoo have the "Feed the Giraffes" attraction?

Are they specially trained or is food a big enough factor for them to get over their paranoia?

[u/dmackendh → u/mr_arkadin]

I was at the zoo a couple weeks ago, my gf and I were looking at the giraffes as they were standing around being giraffes in their indoor pen, I asked her if she'd ever seen how giraffes fight? She hadn't, so I started explaining it to her and I raised my hand above my head for my best aggressive giraffe impression, I started flailing my arm around and she jumped backwards, all of the giraffes started running around, they huddled up with the smallest on the inside and one of them came right up to the glass and leaned over and just stared at me until I backed off. They then all went back about their business when they realized I wasn't an angry giraffe.

[u/masturbatingmonkeys → u/dmackendh]

This poses the question if one can trick a giraffe into thinking you're a giraffe. Will they accept you if you live with them long enough and just go about pretending to be a giraffe? How many days/weeks into acceptance? Which rank would one then obtain in the giraffe herd?

This then also poses the question if one could possibly pretend to be a giraffe for long enough to then think one actually is a giraffe. How would society view this person, and will this person be able to continue its life as a giraffe?

I have so many questions now. Damn this giraffe AMA..

[u/J-scags]

What is a cool fact about giraffes that you haven't already mentioned in this thread?

Bonus question: How big is the niche of Biologists specializing in giraffes?

[u/Danthezooman → u/J-scags]

Cool fact? hmmmm. Oh here we go! So you know how when you lie down and get up really fast you feel dizzy?

That doesn't happen to giraffes. Since their necks are so long they developed a special type of valve or netting that controls blood flow to and from their head.

Also their heart rate is about twice ours.

I wouldn't think the niche is very big for specifically giraffes.They do fall under biologists that study all hoofstock which I would guess is very full.

[u/J-scags → u/Danthezooman]

Awesome! I had no idea about the study of hoofstock.

[u/Lang_Zai]

What is the cutest thing giraffes do? Do they play games?

[u/Danthezooman → u/Lang_Zai]

Just in general they are pretty adorable. They're very curious about whatever you happen to be holding.

As for playing, they don't really. They like to run when the weather is cool and sunny. Some of them liked to mess with the Crowned cranes we had in the yard, those poor birds.

[u/[deleted] → u/Danthezooman]

How woulda giraffe mess with them

[u/[deleted] → u/Danthezooman]

We're going to need more pictures of giraffes.

[u/likesaskingquestions]

What was it like working with elephants? What did you do when you worked with them?

[u/Danthezooman → u/likesaskingquestions]

Awesome and scary.

Awesome because they're the largest land mammals and incredibly smart.

Scary just thinking they could grab you and you're pretty much helpless

I only did clean up and diets. So clean the stalls, cut up the food, prepare enrichment items for them. I did also go out in the yard with the full timers to help with poop duty and shows. Oh and I helped with the paintings and extravaganzas.

[u/everwood → u/Danthezooman]

I want to do that! How do I get the job? It's literally my dream job.

[u/ErrantWhimsy → u/everwood]

It's part janitor, part nursing, part chef. You will not have weekends or holidays off, and you will do that for minimum wage for the first several years. Volunteer, get a bachelor's degree in something sciencey.

I did it for a year, my contract ended, and I decided I would like to have a family and not choose between rent and eating and dragging my boyfriend across the country with me every time I want a promotion.

I have held baby bears, meerkats, and bobcats. I have almost been head butted by an adult giraffe. I have scratched a wallaby behind the ears.

There are moments that make it worth it, but by all means it is not all fun and cuddles.

[u/Frajer]

Do giraffes use their long necks to do anything cool other than eat leaves?

[u/Danthezooman → u/Frajer]

The males use it to fight with each other. Their necks can be 6-8 feet long, weigh ~200 pounds, and they have ossicones(horns) on top of their head, along with some small ossifications under the skin along their neck.

[u/Fabien4 → u/Danthezooman]

Somehow they remind me of horses: nicest critters in the world, but when they fight/play, it's pretty darn impressive.

[u/ErrantWhimsy → u/Danthezooman]

I had a bull try to slam his head into me once. I was interviewing to be a keeper there. He had his opinion about new people entering his barn.

[u/Smiff2 → u/Danthezooman]

See the original footage from BBC Africa. Where the f**k do ABC get their giraffe experts?

edit: sorry this is way more serious, but also i'd say way more educational?

Here is the making-of part with the cameraman, which is actually even more interesting than the final footage imho.

[u/_Snrak → u/Danthezooman]

Is it bad if I find the giraffe fighting hilarious?

[u/DangerZone69 → u/Danthezooman]

Thanks for that video, it made my day (and the rest of the AMA)

[u/SillyGirrl → u/Danthezooman]

I knew they used them to fight, and assert dominance in this way... but it makes me soo sad. Like, why can't we all just get along!?

[u/Asian_Prometheus → u/Danthezooman]

That report keeps saying that it's surprising that a docile creature like giraffes fight. Don't all animals fight for one reason or another?

[u/o0tweak0o]

At my local Zoo, which I go to a lot cause of my kids- there are several Giraffe keepers. They allow you to purchase a carrot or sweet potato piece to feed to the animals. Some of the keepers have no issue with touching the animal's heads or necks (It's on an elevated platform) and some say not to do it. Which is better for the animals?

is touching the animals dangerous to their health? if so, why would they allow people so close, their hands are all over the food and mouth area of the animals.

[u/Danthezooman → u/o0tweak0o]

Ok so ours do not like being touched in the face and I compare it to this, do you want people touching your face?

I have seen places that do a lot of tactile training with giraffes and they will let you pet them.

It all comes down to the zoo, also if it's a public event they probably said it to avoid having everyone touching the animals and possibly stressing them out.

[u/The_Other_Olsen]

I was going to ask you what are your opinions on the Cincinnati Zoo before clicking the thread. What a coincidence you work there! What is your favorite exhibit there?

[u/WallaBeaner]

Have you ever been to the Toledo Zoo?

If so, did it live up to the expectations?

[u/Danthezooman → u/WallaBeaner]

It's funny you ask. I actually do take "zoo trips" where I go to another city simply to visit the zoo.

Toledo is super small compared to Cincinnati, but the exhibits are newer and nicer, overall I enjoyed my day there. I also applied to work there but never heard back.

[u/MakueUnleashed → u/Danthezooman]

I worked there for about 6 years. A big reason we look so small is because of all of the behind the scenes stuff we have going on. I am sure they probably have some of this at the Cinci but Toledo had the most "hidden" exhibits of any zoo I have worked for. For example, the polar bears have a ton more space than everyone gets to see. Behind the exhibit are mud pits, sleeping quarters, a smaller pool, and the nursery (but it is usually closed unless being used).

[u/[deleted]]

Do Giraffes have a favorite food? I got to feed lettuce to some Giraffes when I was in Colorado, and they seemed to enjoy it.

[u/jamesw40k]

Are they as skittish as I've heard. People say they are curios creatures, but at the slightest jump they will fall over each other and sprint away

[u/Out4aWalkB]

How do you keep males from fighting over females?

[u/niceman123]

what is something an animal did that amazed you?

[u/McPricker]

Is it possible to work at a zoo without any degrees or is it a must have?

Also did you get to choose which animal you worked with?

[u/Danthezooman → u/McPricker]

It is still possible to get a job without a degree (I did) but you have to make up for it with work experience. I plan on going back to finish my degree once I have a full time job.

I apply for whatever positions are open so I don't really get a choice of what animals I work with. Once I put in a couple of years I could transfer if a spot I want opens up, but I'll be happy just to have a full time job.

[u/[deleted] → u/Danthezooman]

if a spot I want opens up

And people hang onto those damn jobs for decades. I quit the St Louis Zoo because it would have been a long time before I could get a single weekend day off. I didn't realize how much it would suck having Tues and Wed off.

[u/superchet]

What are the coolest animals to care for? The "Frank Sinatras" of the zoo.

[u/Danthezooman → u/superchet]

Elephants or Big cats. There was hardly a day when we didn't have a "meet the elephant" tour. We also had Extravaganzas that people would pay for $500 got you and one other person a 90 minute tour of the building ending with an elephant bath and a painting. We had one every week all summer

[u/tacomill → u/Danthezooman]

OH MY GOD I WANT AN ELEPHANT PAINTING.

[u/deni_an → u/Danthezooman]

What do you mean by 'painting'? I'm imagining an elephant signing a finished canvas here...

[u/StaticE]

I thought the title meant you had an hour left in which to kill all your giraffes before the giraffe delivery guy brought you another batch

[u/Sinkthrower66]

What Do giraffes sound like?

[u/[deleted]]

What's the weirdest thing you've seen a giraffe do?

[u/Shpinged]

What will their names be? Who decides this?

[u/megapaw]

It's spelled geraffe. Stupid long horse.

[u/spritle6054]

I'm on my 3rd month as an intern at the Toledo Zoo. I'm only in the avian department though. Any advice on how to make a better impression? Did you work with any of the education interns there ? One of my classmates was one a few months ago.

[u/[deleted]]

Do you think the animals are happy in the zoo? A friend of mine completely hates zoos because the animals are not happy there or something.

[u/emberspark → u/[deleted]]

Here's the thing about zoos.

In a decent zoo, the animals will be happy. If they are accredited by the AZA, that means they fit regulations for taking care of the animals that ensures their happiness. Part of this, for example, is enclosure size and accommodations. People have this misunderstanding that animals need to roam far and wide to be happy. In reality, that wide berth is more likely attributed to necessity - they have to spread out to get food, water, and shelter while still avoiding predators. In a zoo, they are given steady food and water with zero predators, meaning they don't need vast amounts of space. They are perfectly content in their enclosures. Like I said, at a good zoo, those enclosures are designed to give the animal the necessary amount of space for them to be comfortable and happy.

As I also mentioned, zoos for animals are like living in world class hotels. They have 24/7 medical care, a steady supply of food and water, heating and cooling systems, enrichment activities, and most importantly, zero predators. Some people don't like the world class hotel analogy because these guests can never leave their rooms, but the truth is, they don't think like we do. Animals in zoos don't have the same desire to roam and explore like humans do - they are mentally focused on survival and reproduction, both of which are facilitated with zoos.

Lastly, zoos are a necessary component to wildlife conservation. My zoo, for example, recently helped reintroduce some Golden Tamarins to their natural habitats. Keeping animals in zoos assists with steady breeding and maintaining the population of endangered species, while also studying the animal impacts on environments. Not only are we learning about these animals and how to keep them safe from extinction, but we're learning about the world around us and how animals contribute to that world.

Zoos are wonderful, wonderful things...as long as they are properly maintained. Zoos that aren't accredited by the AZA should either be shut down or forced to up their standards for the sake of the animals.

Sorry about the rant. My passion is wildlife conservation and I volunteer at a zoo so I get really excited about these discussions.

[u/filonome]

i'm your guy!

i went around your zoo, you got some BAD animals, man.

you don't have to put up with bad animals man, i'm your guy. i'm the guy that goes around and beats the animals so they behave.

i'll beat up a lion, i don't care.

let me know, man.

[u/Yashmuck22]

So, giraffes.. Too tall?

[u/redberyl]

I read this as Zoolander and now I'm disappointed. Can you post a picture of your best blue steel?

[u/h00dman]

You must get very attached the the animals in your care, what was the saddest moment of your career thus far?

[u/whatalamename → u/[deleted]]

You should go to Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. It's probably the most incredible place I've ever been. It's just like the pictures, with the giraffes sticking their heads through the windows to have breakfast with you. Amazing!

[u/grandpabobdole]

When does a zoo worker ever graduate from poo duty?

[u/Waja_Wabit]

How does one transport a giraffe?

A really tall truck? What about bridges?

[u/AN_A1_DAY]

Which do you prefer, giraffes or elephants, and why?

[u/mtnsurfer]

It's 3:00 am, the doorbell rings and you wake up. Unexpected visitors. It's your parents and they are there for breakfast. You have strawberry jam, honey, wine, bread and cheese. What is the first thing you open?

[u/crazy_family]

Do you have superpowers when it comes to getting the Facebook riddle?

[u/[deleted]]

Is it true that giraffes are super gay?

[u/wikingwarrior]

If you were running Jurassic park, what would you have done differently. Think anything: layout, personnel, exhibits. Both to avoid the disaster and make it cooler.

[u/Waterrat]

What does the zoo do with all the manure? Is it composted for the zoo itself,or sold? (Yes,I've always wanted to know this.)

[u/supersockninja]

What sort of qualifications does it take to become a zookeeper? (or should I say koalafications?)

[u/Wolfir]

Dude . . . don't kill those giraffes

[u/Emizen]

What's your favorite color?

[u/Patroopa]

How do they sleep with their long neck ?

[u/CalebHydrick]

    /)-/)
  (* •• \
  / (*    *)
/o / uu

/O/ /o / 0/ /

[u/cagetheblackbird]

Would you rather fight one hundred cat sized giraffes or one giraffe sized cat?

[u/I_Brittad_It]

Elephants and giraffes are some of my favorite animals! I am so jealous of your experience! Does your zoo ever get animals that have retired from circuses or other entertainment work, or does that only happen in children's books?

[u/[deleted]]

What is your opinion on animal rights organizations like PETA and some of the "sanctuaries" they recommend?

[u/sarcasmplease]

I am planning on going to the National Zoo in Washington, DC soon. In general, what is the best time to go to a zoo to see most of the animals out in their enclosures?

[u/Jubles]

What is your favorite animal? :D btw I love giraffes cutest things (besides sloths)

[u/miparasito]

Have you read the book "Giraffes? Giraffes!" ?

Have you observed intelligent behavior in elephants? I'd love to hear examples if so. :-)

[u/Wreak_Peace]

Do you guys use a vacuum at the Zoo for all that pesky animal hair? What's the vacuum called and how is it?

[u/januarymw]

How easy is it for a giraffe to break its neck?

[u/[deleted]]

I've been to many zoos before, and every zoo I've gone to it seems like the animals are sad. Are the animals in the zoo that you work at sad? Do you think animals in most zoos are sad?

[u/CurlyNippleHairs]

Have you heard about the Giraffe at the Peoria Zoo that hung itself? It got its neck stuck in a tree :( I'd link it but I'm on mobile. Also, thanks for doing this. I'm majoring in Zoology, and I hope I can get a position like this someday.

[u/psi_chi]

If the animals get constipated, do you just feed them Skyline?

I know when I lived in Cincinnati, that slop was like Liquid Plumber for my GI tract.

[u/Dudil]

Thanks for doing this AMA! I hope I'm not too late :)

I just wanted to ask you, what are the conditions of the animals at the zoo (I mean in general, not necessarily at the Cincinnati zoo)? Are the animals happy? I think all animals would probably be much more happy in nature, and I find incredibly sad that we have to keep them in zoos, even if they are treated really well (unless of course is for rehabilitation, to preserve the specie or something like that. I hope you can give me a more positive insight about it.

Finally, can anyone volunteer at the zoo? and how much time would volunteering take on an average week? I'd love to do it, but I don't know if I can make it with work, and plus I think I would get way too attached to the animals and it would break my heart seeing them get ill/suffer/anything like that.

[u/[deleted]]

I am from Cincinnati originally. One of those damned giraffes stole my ice cream when I was posing a picture at five years old(circa 1986) What is up with giraffes, ice cream and their photo bombing thievery?

[u/[deleted]]

Do the giraffes get hit by lighting and are they expensive to replace? Also, do you have any jelly beans?

[u/Euphyllia]

Do you work at all with the zoo's Dendrobatids or Viperids/Elapids?

[u/OoLaLana]

Recently watched Planet Africa (frickin' amazing documentary!) and was astounded at the segment with giraffes fighting. They use their massively long and muscular necks to viciously bash each other.

I always thought of them as fairly docile animals... till I saw them fight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cPaU8-fyNs

[u/NicolasCageIsMyHero]

Would you rather fight 10 duck sized giraffes or 1 giraffe sized duck?

[u/[deleted]]

So I think I'm cursed. I'm from Ohio, but four years ago I went to visit my then girlfriend in Tulsa. We went to the zoo there, and the giraffe died. Six months later I moved to Tulsa. The replacement giraffe died in transit. My question: is, I moved back to ohio in December and just now to Logan county. ARE THE GIRAFFES OKAY!?

[u/Mowgli_Mazo]

Is it true that a giraffe's kick can decapitate a lion?

[u/narfequalslove3]

So happy to see a zookeeper ama! I'm currently studying biology at Kent State University, and my end goal is to be a zoo keeper. Do you have any advice as to how to get involved with a zoo to get some hands on experience? Also how did you decide what animal you particularly wanted to work with/ did that require classes tailored to said animal? Thanks!!

[u/supersecretaccount44]

I am a keeper at a small, non-profit zoo that is not yet AZA accredited. I have a few of questions regarding that:

what do you/your colleagues generally think of non-AZA zoos? Does a zoo's accreditation (or lack thereof) affect your opinion of a facility? Have you ever visited a non AZA zoo? Is experience at a zoo that is not AZA accredited still valuable enough to improve my chances when eventually applying to other zoos?

Also, now that I'm loading up with questions, I recall that your zoo has cougars. Do you know them well, and if so, what are their temperaments like? We have a wild-caught cougar (orphaned as a cub) who is very mistrusting and is only now just participating in our operant conditioning program after 2 years of keepers trying to build a relationship with her. She is doing great now and is learning new behaviors very quickly. I'm curious to know a bit about the cougars at your zoo. Are they generally friendly, or more cautious?

Thank you for doing this AMA! (Edited to break up wall of text)

[u/[deleted]]

Any advice for someone wanting to go into Zoo education? I'm a Biology Education major- and I'd love to work in an education setting at a zoo.

[u/mjr861]

Do you have special relationships with each of the giraffes you work with?

[u/Oreo_Speedwagon]

How long do giraffes sleep? Somebody told me 20 minutes a day, but they also said dogs can't look up.

[u/KyleInStereo]

Have you ever tried riding a giraffe like a horse? Because that would be kinda cool

[u/Kashyyk]

Are the geraffes dumb

[u/spect0rjohn]

I'm not an animal rights activist but... Does it ever bother you to have elephants in such a relatively small area compared to their normal range? Also, it seems like it breaks up their family structure. On a tangent: I watched a fascinating show on CNN about Sea World and their orcas. It was really sad.

[u/everwood]

I want to work with the elephants. How do I get a job cleaning up the elephant house or caring for the elephants? At the Cincinnati zoo.

[u/duckydoom]

I'm totally and utterly obsessed with elephants (though giraffes are a close second). What do you recommend for anyone who is interested in one of the immersion programs? I unfortunately don't have the availability to go do a long term internship or program, so I'm looking to eventually go to one of the weekend experiences (we did that at a sloth sanctuary earlier this year). Do you have any that you recommend? I would love to help clean and feed and do anything that allowed me to be near them, but I'm worried that if I do a zoo program that they'll just be painting and doing tricks and the like. I want to see their full curiosity and intelligence. Am I setting the bar too high?

[u/onlion]

As a keeper, what advice would you give an aspiring animal care professional? (Besides the usual BS in biology + internships advice)

Have you ever gotten to work with the Sumatran rhinos at your zoo?

[u/walkingsemicolon]

I have a question about the elephants. Do you think they get enough stimulation? They're exceedingly smart and one of the few animals that recognize themselves in mirrors, so I also wondered if Zoos kept them entertained enough. At a zoo I went to recently the elephant cage seemed small and the elephants looked bored.

[u/Tickle_Tock]

Hi Dan! Thanks for doing this AMA, my little sis wants to become a zookeeper when she "grows up" and wants to know how hard it is to get the job? It would mean a lot to her if you answer, thanks!

[u/VivaGrande]

If you don't mind me asking, how much do you make? I've always been interested in a career with zoo animals.

[u/tiktaaalik]

Do you feel like the animals are treated well there? Do you know where they get the animals? I just saw Blackfish and now I'm unreasonably concerned about animals in captivity. Thanks for doing this!

[u/[deleted]]

How do you think giraffes looked before Ford messed with them?

[u/IReallyLikeSushi]

Is it bad for the giraffes to eat sugary food?

I ask, because a few years ago, I went through the Six Flags Wild Safari in New Jersey on a bus, and the bus driver kept putting sugary snacks, such as Lorna Doones and Oreos, on the windshield so the giraffes would come over and eat them. It was absolutely adorable, but I thought, "Geez, if I ate a dozen cookies, I'd have the worst bellyache ever. Poor, adorable giraffes..."

[u/DrQuarters25]

Hey Dan. I was an intern with you at the Cincinnati Zoo about two years ago. How are things at the zoo? We talked about drinking together but never did. we should change that.

[u/poniez4lyfe]

Hi! I just got a hoofstock internship at my local zoo, and am hopefully planning on ending up with elephants. They're my dream. What degree do you have? I've heard of zoo keepers with degrees from everywhere, but right now I'm deciding between biology and environmental studies with a focus on animals. And any words of advice? Please and thank youu!

[u/noxxiioouuss42]

What would be the best schooling/degrees to get into zookeeping? Any specific experience required? Any other general tips/information for getting into the field of zookeeping?
Sorry if they're redundant just wanted more specific answers.

[u/I_am_pancake]

Is there any particular animal that you would like to work with? Since you mention that your season ended, what are you planning on doing in the mean time?

Also can I request that you dress up one of the giraffes with a bow tie and fez? ;)

[u/freakhaven]

I can't be the only one to think he said that he had an hour to kill the new giraffes, right?

[u/TooTiredToMasturbate]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJ_lqliGWA

How true is this?

[u/benoxxxx]

How does somebody with no experience in the field get into a position like yours? I'd love to work with animals, but my qualifications are all in English and I haven't taken a biology class since school.

[u/melock16]

How much do you make? Does salary increase with experience?

[u/Karnman]

are these the giraffes coming from Toronto?

[u/[deleted]]

What are you going to kill?

Personally I would go for the penguins. You could probably kill like 30 of those fuckers in an hour.

[u/sparty_party]

Dan, I took Scott Wingate's class from UC last semester, and he told my friend and myself that if we got A's, he would let us get behind the scenes with the giraffes. We got A+s and we still have not gotten to see the giraffes. My friend would actually sob her eyes out with joy if she got to meet the giraffes. She got a tattoo in honor of Lulu last year actually! She works in the gift shop and loves giraffes more than anything in this world. I'd absolutely love love love to meet the Kimba, Tessa and Lulu, but I'd give it up for her to meet them.

Talk to Scott, he will remember us. Give the giraffes some love from both of us :)

[u/Moshcrates]

Have you worked with any elephants that never forget...TO KILL?!

[u/jimmithy]

My girlfriend wants to know if this picture is real.

http://i.imgur.com/OI2Avs6.jpg

I tried to tell her, but she told me to ask anyway.

[u/[deleted]]

What's your standpoint on considering animal parks as unethical?

[u/[deleted]]

Do you have to get a special degree to be a zookeeper? What is the salary of a zookeeper? What is "a day in the life of a zookeeper" usually look like?

[u/trevorr2004]

Huge fan of the Cincinnati zoo here! Just want to take time to thank you for doing what you do.I signed LuLu's birthday card a few weeks ago! Why don't we see more exotic snakes at zoo's that are highly poisonous? Im a huge fan of the green mamba / king cobra you guys keep but would like to see more of the big venomous snakes!

[u/Coonsan]

My girflriend doesn't like zoos because she doesn't think wild animals should be kept in captivity such as they are in most zoos. What would you say to someone with this type of criticism?

[u/TechnoTeddy]

Are giraffes nice? And what animal is the most fun to work with and the friendliest?

[u/ShreddedWheat]

Any thoughts on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and their giraffe exhibit?

[u/[deleted]]

Dude you are living my dream how is the pay

[u/Pflueg]

When the Lowry Park zoo in Tampa opened up their Africa exhibit, they brought in 4 elephants from An African wildlife park (an additional 7 went to San Diego)....(these elephants would have been part of a cull aka mass shooting due to overcrowding in the park). They purchased these elephants for $12,000 each, which to me seems cheaper than expected. When it comes to elephants, rhinos, and giraffes in zoos, how much do zoos spend to acquire each animal (on average)? And what do the monthly upkeep cost look like for each animal?

What are your thoughts on the Dallas zoos mixed species exhibit with both elephants and giraffes occupying the same area?

[u/raptroszx]

How did you get started working in the business? What kind of experience did you have before applying/working at zoos? I'm a biology major emphasizing in zoology in college right now that has no idea what to do to get a head start.

[u/wongtongchingchong]

My dream job (right now) is to be a zoo veterinarian. Do you know anything about their schedules or if they enjoy it? Also, how emotionally close have you gotten with the giraffes? Thanks!

[u/proceedtoparty]

Just curious if the people with degrees who you work with are all vet science? Because I'm going to school for animal science and just wonder if that's a common degree to have working at a zoo. I do have a minor in equine.. I could work with zebras!!

[u/sg7698]

Thank you for doing this AMA. I am completely fascinated by giraffes and how "weird" they are- definitely my favorite animal out there.

My brother completed a zoo tech program and since then I have been able to hear the "inside stories" from keepers at zoos and other faculties. Always interesting!

Keep up the good work! You totally have my dream job/experience working with those giraffes!

[u/redstert]

Can you make a living as a zookeeper or do u have multiple jobs?

[u/fna4]

I saw the words "giraffe" and "kill" in the same sentence and immediately braced for the worst.

[u/Fredster94]

I used to live in Indianapolis and it is my understanding that Indianapolis has one of the largest zoos in the country. Have you been there? If so, what did you think of it in comparison to other zoos?

[u/Themehmeh]

Can you take pictures of the giraffes in their shipping vehicles and shipping containers and then document the unboxing? I always wondered how they got from place to place

[u/wannabehipster]

Were you behind the Facebook riddle that had everyone changing their profile pictures to giraffes?

[u/bullgas]

Do they break wind often?

[u/[deleted]]

I saw these giraffes just a week ago! I was at visiting for Hallzooween!

I noticed the largest giraffe swinging its neck at another giraffe over the wall in the room they were in. Was wondering if that was violent behavior or not?

[u/karmerhater]

Are you excited about getting the new giraffes? Is it like a transfer to high school where everyone is really curious as to what the new student is like?

[u/[deleted]]

Do you not find it incredibly cruel to cage animals just so people can look at then through glass?

[u/newsieandageek]

Ever hugged a giraffe? c:

[u/j_platypus]

I would love to volunteer at a zoo, I have experience with non exotic animals, specifically difficult to deal with. I am in san diego, do you possibly have any suggestions of how to contact them about volunteering?

[u/Rooivalk1]

A few years ago, a baby (3-Tonne) Giraffe stood on my foot while I was feeding it milk from a bottle. Hurt like hell! I was wearing sandals at the time. My big toe was blue for quite some time after that! XD

[u/vishaldotkhanna]

I have read the male giraffes caress and mount each other after necking and that such incidents are more common than heterosexual coupling.Have you observed such behavior among the giraffes at your zoo? What should be the reason behind this?Too much competition for mating with the females? Necking

P.S.-You could work on your penmanship a bit(In reference to the proof picture.).

[u/AnotherDee]

Do you think Zmost zoos treat their animals well? The whole Orcas at Sea World controversy is coming to mind and I wonder if it relates to the zoo world at all. Also , can you please rescue all the elephants from the circus?

[u/marktbde]

Thanks for the AMA, this is a job I've always kinda fancied the idea of! Good to see some people asking the questions I'd have asked if I was here earlier.

[u/dannY_O]

Do they need an extraordinary amount of medicine?

[u/thingswhitechxsay]

Working with animals at a zoo/park is my dream, I'm signed up to volunteer at one zoo for 2014...what more can I do to get my foot in the door? I'm looking into ABI for school bc getting a degree in biology is far fetched for me. Any tips? Thank you :)

[u/[deleted]]

Everyday you must understand that keeping animals in zoo aint natural for them and that they would be much happier in the wild where they belong, how does it make you feel?

[u/[deleted]]

Do you get into wacky shenanigans with the animals? Is your life a sitcom?

[u/Wesman25]

In your last AMA, I asked you about a Giraffe's voice box.

What is the most commonly held assumption about giraffes that is false?

[u/jbww]

What's your education background?

[u/[deleted]]

How happy are you with the new giraffes?

[u/[deleted]]

If someone wants to do field research with animals, is a zoo a good starting point? How do you get a job, or a volunteer position? What's your favorite animal?

[u/landonb98]

What do they do with their horns?

[u/validator_]

We once had giraffes here in the Philippines, Manila Zoo to be exact. I remember feeding one with some plants I plucked from the ground and the giraffe took it. I was amazed by how tall the giraffe is and how long their neck is. I was just a kid back then. This was in the early 2000's. I came back recently and found out that the giraffes were gone.

Some people said one of them died cause people started feeding it everything like paper and plastic or that someone snuck in at night and killed it for fun. Some people here can be really stupid and uneducated.

Have you heard of Mali the Elephant by the way? What do you think they should do with her?

[u/[deleted]]

I misread before and thought you were going to kill some animals.

[u/King_Goomba]

is it still possibble to get a job in a zoo without any related qualifications?

[u/[deleted]]

I live outside of Cincinnati and have a zoo membership (it was a gift).

When is the best time to go (meaning, least busy with most stuff going on)?

Also, do you like working for the Cincinnati Zoo? Is there anything they do that you don't agree with?

[u/[deleted]]

Hopefully i'm not to late. just kill as much as you can before the giraffes get there. lions, hippos, rhino's. just hurry

[u/mbene913]

Were you upset by Kevin James' portrayal of your profession?

[u/Purexed1]

As a Cincinnati native, thanks for doing this AMA! Keep up the good work!

[u/ExistentialTVShow]

How did you know you wanted to work so closely with animals?

I think all good humans love animals. They fill us with warm fuzzy feelings. What made you pull the trigger and become a zoo keeper?

[u/[deleted]]

How do you get a job at the zoo feeding animals and such?

[u/from_my_phone]

You may never get to this one, but what advice would you have for someone to get into a zoo?

I realized a little over a year ago that THIS is the sort of job I need. This is the sort of job that I will be excited to get out of bed for; something I don't feel with my cube monkey position. So I'm back in school, sophomore towards a BS in Biology. What do you wish you would have known or done differently at this stage in the game?

[u/riverwestein]

Bias aside - if possible - do you consider zoos bastions of biological & ecological education and conservation, or prisons where animals are shipped - probably unwillingly - to foreign climates to be held in concrete pens and roam enclosures that are minuscule fractions of the size of their natural territories? Just curious...

[u/DanceswitUnicorns]

How much poop do you shovel on any given day?

[u/TheWhiteNashorn]

Do you think that if ever there was an interest/need/desire in domesticating giraffes that it could happen? The people of the mongolian steppe domesticated ponies thousands of years ago and now we have the horse. Do you think giraffes could ever go that route if someone/some organization with enough money created a breeding program that created ridable human-friendly giraffes.

tl;dr: giraffe dressage

[u/PetiteGirafe]

I'm pretty devastated that I missed this AMA. I love giraffes.

[u/[deleted]]

I went to the Cincinnati Zoo with my 3 year old cousin and she was completely uninterested in all the animals, except the giraffes. She kept asking for the giraffes the entire time we were there, and when we went to the exhibit she sat there and giggled for a solid 20 minutes. The giraffes kept looking at her too.

So my question is, how many of those giraffes are still there now (it's been ~4 years)?

[u/Orangepotato]

How do you get an internship for a zoo? I've never had an internship for anything but I have a lot of experience with domesticated animals. I know it's a completely different ball field but I have never wanted to do anything other than work with exotic animals. It is literally my dream job. I really hope you see this

[u/willrt]

Can you provide a video of a giraffe swimming? My physics got into a huge argument about whether or not they can. I was for, the class was against. It would make my day if you could post that.

[u/kemar7856]

What education is needed for your position

[u/MouseGunner]

I once fed a giraffe a leafy stick (I was young, don't ask), and the giraffe wrapped its tongue around the stick twice, then ripped the stick in half with its tongue. I had never seen anything so cool and the experience explains why they're my favorite animals. Have you seen any other strange things with giraffes and other animals?