This week is National Zoo Keepers Week and there was no better way for me to celebrate than watching an animal show hosted by Josh Warf, a zoo keeper at the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo in Hart County, Kentucky. 

 

Showing off cockatoo Luna, his self-described bird wife, he explained that the husbandry work he’s done with her caused her to adapt him into her socialization circle. When he is off, he FaceTimes with her because she will let out a two-mile distress call until she sees him. He is vital to her daily life and she is attuned to his emotional state. Their bond was one of mutual respect and it was obvious, even during an impromptu game of peekaboo after the show. 

 

Warf’s goal is to become wildlife conservationist one day. I have no doubt he will achieve his goal. Anyone who could get me to wear a snake around my neck a la Britney Spears can do anything he sets his mind to! 

 

Since 2007, the third Sunday in July celebrates National Zoo Keeper Week by focusing on efforts made by all zoo keepers who protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats. Zoo keepers are educators and wildlife ambassadors. This week-long observance raises awareness of the remarkable work they do year-round. 

 

Visit your local zoo, take tons of photos and share them all on social media using #NationalZooKeeperWeek. Thank a zoo keeper for their work. They work in all weather conditions, doing the behind the scenes jobs you don’t always notice when visiting a zoo. 

 

Zoo keepers are the rock stars of the animal world.