Zookeeper, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Kara is a Zookeeper with the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. With a degree in Marine Biology and extensive internship experience with animal care, Kara landed her job at the zoo by leveraging both that experience and her networks. She is now responsible for looking after the small mammals department and is the primary caretaker for monkeys, sloths, and porcupines. Kara walks us through a typical shift, from morning inspections and cleaning to feeding and training. She also stresses the importance of education in zookeeping; showing visitors that a zoo’s function isn’t just for the wellbeing of the on-site animals, but to help protect their partner animals in the wild.