Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 14, 2011 - Jacksonville, Fl -

In recognition of the dedication of zoo Keepers and aquarists nationwide, the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) (http://www.aazk.org) and zoos and aquariums across the nation celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week July 17-23.  Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is proud to be a part of this tribute to those individuals who are dedicated to the care and preservation of its animals.  The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be having appreciation activities during the week including a luncheon for all Zookeepers.  Other local restaurants have also donated items for our dedicated Zookeepers including Junior’s Seafood Restaurant and Grill, Latitude 30, Starbucks, and Urban Flats of Ponte Vedra Beach. Jacksonville Zoo also invites the public to send thank you notes to the zoo keepers which will be hung in the zoo keeper’s break room. On Tuesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 21 the Zoo will have a station set up at the Zoo’s Main Camp from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. where guests can create a thank you card. All guests that create a card on-site will be entered into a drawing to win a lunch with a zoo keeper that day. The drawing will be held at 12:30 p.m. and guests must be present to win. Winner receives a free lunch to enjoy with a zoo keeper.

“This national celebration is in recognition of zoo keepers, aquarists, and the animal care professionals in our nation’s zoological parks and aquariums,” said Shane Good, National President of AAZK.  “Zoo keepers serve as animal care experts, frontline educators, and conservationists.  We are proud to have zoo keepers recognized for the important work they do on behalf of wildlife and conservation.”

“During this week, we extend our many thanks and bring attention to the exceptional animal care staff here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens,” said Brian Eisele, Jacksonville Zoo AAZK President. “The work that Zoo Keepers perform each day is a vital contribution to the survival of endangered wildlife across the globe.”

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 animal care professionals and the work they do in animal care, conservation, and education.  There are approximately 6,000 animal care professionals in the United States.

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.  For more information, visit http://www.aazk.org.