ABQ BioPark to Celebrate Animal Care Staff for National Zookeeper Appreciation Week

July 14, 2022 - July 17-23 is National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, and the ABQ BioPark is joining in to recognize all the hard work done by its animal care staff including zookeepers, aquarists, farmers and life support.

The week’s festivities will feature public education as well as staff appreciation events.

This year the event is a collaborative effort between the ABQ BioPark, New Mexico BioPark Society (NMBPS), and the local American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) chapter. ABQ AAZK is the local chapter, and is led by several BioPark staff.

“We work really hard, and work for the animals every day to give them the best care possible,” said Deidre Noga, ABQ AAZK president and zookeeper. “It’s nice to take a week to recognize that.”

Thanks to financial support from NMBPS and the efforts of this year’s committee, BioPark animal care staff will be treated to a number of fun activities throughout the week including free food, gifts, a movie night at the Albuquerque Museum, and a friendly “enrichment off” competition. Some events will be for animal care staff only, but all BioPark staff are included in many of the week’s activities as well.

Public education will include special tables throughout the Zoo and Aquarium to teach guests about animal care staff jobs. In addition, staff will be available on Wednesday, July 20, to answer questions about animal enrichment and how it is an important aspect in their animal care routines.

Public Event Schedule

(All events occur simultaneously at the front gazebo near flamingos at the Zoo and at the Aquarium’s stingray pool.)

Monday, July 18, from 1-3 p.m.

Ask a Keeper Table

Wednesday, July 20, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Enrichment Training Table

Saturday, July 23, from 1-3 p.m.

Ask a Keeper Table