Friends,

Please join me in celebrating National Zookeeper Week.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the dedicated professionals who make our zoo a wild and wonderful place every single day — Kenlee Ngo, Erika Banter, Gretchen Hardy, Alex Jones, Kevin Barker, Alexandra Euwema, Erin Quesenberry, Griffin Davidson, our Veterinary Technician Ashley Hale, and our Education Supervisor Kiana Nowall — who make up the incredible animal care team at Mill Mountain Zoo!

From feeding and training to enrichment, habitat design and cleaning, medical care, and education, our zookeepers work tirelessly — often behind the scenes — to ensure every animal receives the highest quality care. Whether it’s cleaning enclosures in the summer heat, preparing specialized diets and medications, researching the species, or creating enrichment that stimulates animals physically, mentally, and emotionally by encouraging natural behaviors, their work is done with skill, compassion, and a deep commitment to wildlife conservation.

Rain or shine, snow or ice, oppressive heat, in every season and every challenge, our zookeepers give their all every day — and we’re deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication.

Our zookeepers work in a constant state of vigilance, caring for animals that are endangered, injured, or non-releasable, as well as those that could potentially cause harm. They balance safety and precision while fostering a deep, emotional connection with the animals that rely on them every single day. Every decision they make matters. Every detail counts. And when their shift ends, their sense of responsibility doesn’t. Even on their days off, our keepers carry the weight of their work in their hearts and minds.

They experience compassion fatigue. They carry grief. When an animal passes, it’s not just a moment of loss — it’s a deep, visceral sorrow. And yet, they remain strong, focused, and resilient, showing up everyday with unwavering dedication. The bond among our animal care team is profound. It's often unspoken but deeply understood — a quiet solidarity built on shared experiences, mutual trust, and the kind of emotional load only they truly comprehend.

The job of a zookeeper is physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and mentally intense — and yet they do it with unwavering dedication, grace, professionalism, skill, and a deep love for the animals and the mission —wildlife and conservation, and education. They’re always observing, anticipating, and problem-solving. No one cares more for these animals than our zookeepers.   

Keeper Appreciation Week gives Mill Mountain Zoo the chance to recognize the behind-the-scenes heroes who make the Zoo a safe, nurturing environment for the animals and an inspiring experience for guests. Rain or shine, in heat or snow, their work never stops. If you visit Mill Mountain Zoo this week and see one of our animal care professionals, please join us in saying THANK YOU. Their passion, strength, and commitment make everything we do possible.

With respect and admiration,
Niki Voudren
Executive Director of Mill Mountain Zoo

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