Zoo keepers are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival and the preservation of the animals’ native habitats they care for through public awareness, education and high standards of exhibition. The Zoo’s keepers have committed their lives to ongoing professional development and training in becoming animal specialists, educators and advocates. They actively enhance the animals’ lives every day through dedicated care, enrichment activities, conditioning and husbandry practices, and much more. Their dedication is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year regardless of weather and holidays to insure that the animals in their care are safe, healthy and comfortable. 

“I’m extremely grateful for our Zoo Keepers,” said Zoo Executive Director/CEO Dwight Scott. “They do a tremendous job caring for the animals, and educating our guests about wildlife conservation issues. They are an extremely passionate group of professionals who’s commitment and work ethic is inspiring.”     

The Zoo’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is comprised of 12 - 15 members representing a range of animal areas. AAZK raises money for conservation projects within the Zoo and on a larger scale, including the yearly Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser to support rhino conservation in Asia and Africa. With the help of the dedicated citizens of Oklahoma, the Zoo’s AAZK chapter has raised $208,726 for rhino conservation through this event throughout history, which is more than any other organization! AAZK members also founded and host a Gorilla Golf Tournament once a year to benefit gorilla conservation, and participate in a yearly project with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.

 Click on the links below for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a Zoo keeper!

Holly Ray - Birds

Shawn Finnell - Pachyderms

Logan Agan - Aquaticus

Jaimee Flinchbaugh - Giraffes

Erik Kalen - Aquaticus

Joe Branham - Herpetarium

Jeff Rife - Antelopes

Dan Woolf - Antelopes