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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Celebrates National Zoo Keeper Week
Apple Valley, MINN – July 18, 2011 – In recognition of the dedication of zoo keepers and aquarists, the Minnesota Zoo, American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and zoos and aquariums across the nation are celebrating National Zoo Keeper Week, July 18-24, 2011. Says Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke: “It takes an amazing team of professionals ranging from accountants to engineers to keep a complex modern zoo operating. But the core of any zoo’s staff are the animal keepers, who demonstrate their specialized training, hands-on experience and just plain hard work every day as they care for our diverse and demanding animal collection. This week is a great opportunity to express our appreciation for the incredible skill and dedication of the people at the Zoo who truly are ‘Zookeepers.’ “ Created by AAZK, Inc, National Zoo Keeper Week is celebrated each year beginning on the third Sunday in July. During the week, zoos nationwide honor animal care professionals and the work they do in animal care, conservation, and education. There are approximately 6,000 animal care professionals in the United States. The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence in the zoo keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life. For more information, visit aazk.org. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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