Zookeeping

Zookeeping

Jeff Polcen is a lead zookeeper at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Interviewer: How did you become interested in being a zookeeper? Jeff: I was working for the Metroparks (the city park system in Cleveland, Ohio) at the stables when I heard about a position at the zoo. I started working at the Birds of the World building and later transferred to the African animal area, where I've been for 17 years. Growing up on a farm, I've always liked working with hoofed animals. Cows and horses are related to giraffes and zebras, so their behaviors and body structure are similar. But there are also a lot of interesting differences. I learn new things every day.

Interviewer: What skills do you need? Jeff: Observation is the most important skill. You have to be able to look at a group of animals and figure out what's happening. Maybe they're getting sick, or one is going to give birth, or they're not all getting along. These are wild animals that can be dangerous, so you need to use a lot of common sense.

Interviewer: Which kinds of animals are you responsible for? Jeff: I'm a lead keeper-a working supervisor-over our African savannah and the rhino/monkey island area. I oversee many animals, including giraffes, zebras, antelope, ostriches, vultures, and native African birds. We run mixed species exhibits, where we have birds and mammals that are safe together in the same yard.

Interviewer: What do you like most about your job? Jeff: I get to work independently without someone telling me what to do. Everyone finds the position they enjoy most in the zoo business. Some people enjoy working with the monkeys or birds. The hoofed animals are my favorites. We've had many giraffe babies born here, and I enjoy working with them.

Interviewer: Do you come to care a lot about each animal, as you would with a pet? Jeff: It's hard to avoid getting attached to certain animals. Zoo care has progressed a lot, so animals live longer than they used to. I see illness and other problems developing as an animal gets older, and I have to make decisions about how to care for an older animal. Sometimes the animal is suffering, and it's best to put it to sleep.