My Zoo Diary

by June Godfrey on 31/03/2010, 5.47pm

We were met at London Zoo by Karen, our guide, and taken for a briefing. Over refreshments Karen explained the schedule for the day and kitted us out with official overalls. Now I really felt like a genuine zookeeper.

As we visited different enclosures Karen gave lots of information about the animals, their psychology and their care. She explained that the zoo had its own vets and a hospital. We learned that anaesthetic darts were used only as a last resort for any animal that needed to be examined by a vet. A good example was that of a spider monkey that was pregnant. The monkey was trained bit by bit to press its tummy against the wall of the cage after which lubricating jelly was slowly introduced and the vet was able to scan.

It was wonderful to see the very close relationship each zoo keeper had with the particular animals in their care. It was almost as if they knew what 'their' animal was thinking.

After hand feeding the giraffes with carrots we were off to the penguin pool. Of all the animals these were my favourites. They were so cute as they followed me around the pool. Rather than food they wanted attention. If one penguin got more tickles than another there was a scrap but nothing serious! The llama too loved attention so I was able to fondle his neck and even got a 'kiss' in return.

We fed the bearded pigs but had to hide the bucket of coconuts else they wouldn't forage for their pellets. It was like a child not being given their pudding until they had eaten their dinner. I was amazed to see one particularly big powerful pig crunch a whole coconut between its enormously strong teeth.

There was so much to do and see that day and the zoo staff really looked after us making sure that their visitors got the most out of a 'zoo keeper experience'.

I understand that a zoo keeper is a very much sought after position so I felt very special and privileged that for just a day I was there. 

It was a marvellous day and one I'll never forget. Thank you so much making my dream come true!

Even the weather was on our side - a lovely sunny, mild day. The whole thing went absolutely smoothly.