Celebrating 130 Years—Together

🐾 Happy #NationalZookeeperWeek! Today we`re introducing Jordan Schimming, Animal Care Specialist here at DZCA, and a keeper whose tattoo is a tribute to the animal who gave her the confidence to become the keeper she is today.

Jordan has spent nearly 15 years as a zookeeper, all of them right here at DZCA. And on her skin is a single hoof print, complete with characteristic crossed toes, belonging to one very special lesser kudu, Fred.🦌

Fred was Jordan`s very first solo training project. With the goal of teaching him to voluntarily allow hoof trims.

"Fred was a really special animal who had patience to allow a new, young keeper to learn and grow and gain confidence in themselves. Seemed fitting to get one of his hooves tattooed."

Fred has since passed, but his legacy lives on here at DZCA in the most beautiful way. Some of his grandchildren and even great-grandchildren now call DZCA home.

#NationalZookeeperWeek #ZookeeperAppreciationWeek #DenverZooConservationAlliance #AnimalCare #SavingWildlifeTogether

🐾 Happy #NationalZookeeperWeek! Today we`re introducing Kat Emanuel, Animal Care Specialist here at DZCA, and a keeper who carries two of her most beloved animals with her, one on each arm.

Kat has been a zookeeper for 10 years and has been part of our team for 5. Her portrait tattoos tell the story of two extraordinary animals who shaped her career in ways she never expected.

🦉 Casper the barn owl on her left arm. Kat first met Casper over a decade ago as a seasonal in our Animal Ambassador department and eventually became her primary trainer.

"Casper taught me so much about raptor handling, patience, and the beauty of bonding with an owl."

Casper passed away last year at over 20 years old. A remarkable life, honored forever in ink.

🐜 Laird the southern tamandua on her right arm. At over 20 years old, Laird is a living legend. From greeting guests on Zoo strolls to traveling off-site and showing off his climbing abilities, his gentle demeanor and irresistible face have made him a team favorite for years.

"Working with him has been one of the most profound aspects of my career."

And Laird shows absolutely no signs of stopping. On cooler mornings you might just spot him and Kat taking in the sights and smells of the Zoo on a walk. If you see them, go say hi!

#NationalZookeeperWeek #ZookeeperAppreciationWeek #DenverZooConservationAlliance #AnimalCare #SavingWildlifeTogether