A zoo keeper’s job isn’t for everyone

Zoo Keeper Mike Wemett prepares animal diets. Photo by Kelli O’Brien

In an effort to further career exploration through this blog, I interviewed two teens, Cassidy and Aubrey. They were generous enough to share their experiences with the teens in the Explorers Program here at the Zoo as they pursue their interests in animals. Cassidy expresses a strong interest in becoming a zoo keeper, while Aubrey just enjoyed the opportunity this event gave her to experience what she loves. Both girls were able to benefit from this event, further discovering who they are and how they want to pursue their interests.

In the following interview each girl shares their perspectives:

1. What inspired your interest in becoming a zoo keeper?

Cassidy: On a recent trip to Disney World my family and I spent a day at Animal Kingdom. While in the petting zoo area I got talking to an older man who was an educator. He told me about how he started volunteering at zoos and what schools he went to. The part that really drew me in was when he told the story about when there was a tiger that had ignored her cub, he was lucky enough to bring home the cub and raise it for 3 months before returning it to the zoo. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, and being a zoo keeper would allow me to take care of exotic animals instead of the usual cats and dogs.

Aubrey: What really encouraged me to attend the Explorer Program is that I really love animals. I’m always interested in learning about them. I’ve always loved them ever since I was little.

2. What high school classes and/or extracurricular activities do you engage in to pursue your interest with this potential career?

Cassidy: I’m home-schooled and take a few classes at Monroe Community College. My current goal is to take classes toward a biology or conservation degree. This Explorer experience is my first activity investigating careers with zoo animals.

Aubrey: Don’t get me wrong. Being a zoo keeper would be an extremely amazing and rewarding job, but the most memorable moment that changed my interest is how much time it takes from your life. You have to give 110% effort and I love to go travel and do new things all the time.

3.  What new discoveries did you make about this career that you did not know before through this program?

Cassidy: I didn’t know any of the specific jobs the zoo keepers had to do. I learned about the zoo keepers doing training and more about how they take care of animals.

Aubrey: I connected with the animals, I love them! They always can make you smile by their beauty, my deepest interest is learning how the animals act around or in certain situations. To see how they react can change how you feel too.

4. What was the most memorable thing that you took away from this program pertaining to your future high school or career endeavors?

Cassidy: I liked how the animals responded to the keepers and enjoyed seeing that happen.

Aubrey: This program was really an amazing opportunity, except my interests are somewhere else.

5. Has this event motivated you to do more for your future as a potential zoo keeper? If so, what specifically do you wish to achieve?

Cassidy: I got to see the keepers in action and seeing things in person is different than reading about it. I would be interested in volunteering at the Zoo to further my experience, to learn more, and to see if I would enjoy the field.

- Caroline Riedman, intern

Career profile: Director of Education and Intepretation

The Zoo’s Director of Education and Interpretation Bart Roselli.

I recently interviewed Bart Roselli, Director of Education and Interpretation for the Zoo Society, so as to understand what this career entails. Below, Mr. Roselli describes his job at the Seneca Park Zoo, his connection with teens, insight on his personal educational and career paths and encouragement for teens aspiring to his career path.

I asked Mr. Roselli the following questions about his role here at the Zoo:

Q: What is your job at the Seneca Park Zoo? What are your general duties?

A: My job is to see that the Education Department of the Zoo is running smoothly. This entails helping to set the direction of our programs, meaning helping to decide what programs we should be offering; what audiences should we be serving; how we can help our different audiences (school students, families, Zoo members, and teachers and others) learn more about the wonder of wild animals and what dangers humans are causing them. Did you know that when your father was born there were more than 500,000 lions in Africa and today there are only about 50,000? The Education Department’s job is to get the word out that we need to do more to preserve our planet and the animals that share it with us.

Photo by Kelli O’Brien

Q: Describe your role with young kids, teens and/or adults with respect to education and the Zoo.

A: As Director of the department I need to provide support to the people who have more direct relationships with young kids, teens and others. So I am kind of like a guide for our staff. For instance, our Manager of Program Development, Emily Coon-Frish, spends lots of time running camps and classes and working with young children. Our Outreach Coordinator Tim Fowler is on the road serving ZooMobile programs to senior citizens, school students and others. Our Interpretation Coordinator Kenny Nelson can be found during the summer presenting our Summer Programs to people of all ages and Youth and School Programs Coordinator Tina Crandall-Gommel works directly with teachers and students. Those guys have all the fun!

Q: What was your education and career path that allowed you to fulfill the position you are in now?

A: I have always been interested in the natural world. Ever since I can remember, I have enjoyed learning about and exploring woods, rocks, rivers, forests, caves and the outdoors. I was the co-chair of our Recycling Club in high school. I went on to college and graduated with a degree in geology. And then I began my career in education. First working in history, art and science museums. I went to graduate school at The Bank Street College of Education in New York City and worked in museums in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania before coming to Rochester. Four years ago, I was lucky enough to be offered the job at the Zoo. Throughout my career I have been involved in designing programs for different audiences and developing exhibits. That included researching and writing labels, making exhibits more interactive and conducting surveys to find out how people learn at zoos and museums. Later I got involved in professional organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Conservation Education Committee, the Museums Association of New York State and the Museum Educators’ Roundtable to make connections with others like me working in education.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

A: The best part of this job has two parts. ONE: Almost every day, the keepers exercise the elephants before the Zoo opens to the public. Many times they will walk the elephants right by my office. That is so cool to be that close to such a beautiful and majestic animal. It makes you realize what a wonderful world it is. And TWO: The people I work with are the best. Each and everyone here at the Zoo is so committed to our mission to get people to help save this planet. And they all love the animals here.

Q: What do you suggest to teens that might be looking into this career path?

A: First and foremost, ask questions! Find someone in this field you can talk with. Don’t know anybody? Than give me a call at (585) 336-7209 or an e-mail at broselli@senecazoo.org. Find out more about the job, how to get it, what skills and knowledge you need, how to get started in the career and who is out there that can help you. Also, if you can, start volunteering at a Zoo or vet clinic to learn first hand how these places work. Here at Seneca Park Zoo we have several different teen programs. Each one has a section that helps teens think about and learn more about a career working with animals. You could join one of these programs. All the information about the programs and how to get connected is on our Web site. Visit  and remember, the Education Department always here to help you.

Thank you for this wonderful interview, Mr. Roselli!

- Caroline Riedman, teen intern

Winterizing at the Zoo

Photo by Caroline Riedman

When thinking of the Zoo it is typical of associating it with a warm, summer day and lots of visitors. However, the Zoo is alive and beautiful during the winter months. Mary Ellen Sheets, one of the Zoo’s elephant handlers, describes her job during the winter and reveals information on animal behavior, diet and care throughout the season.

Q: Do your duties as zoo keeper change with respect to the change in seasons?

A: The grounds upkeep is the main change for my daily routine by shoveling snow and maintaining animal habitats in all types of winter weather. With respect to the animals, my job is all about adapting to the animals’ needs. With limited outdoor activity, keeping our animals occupied is vital, so they are given enrichment items to keep them energetic and active while indoors.

Q: Do specific animals have a change in diet during the winter?

A: Elephants eat more hay [in the winter]. In the summer they eat tree limbs, which aren’t available in the winter, therefore, hay is used as a substitute. Guinea foul, a type of bird, eat higher-fat items such as grains and oats for protection against the cold. The animals are also regularly weighed and their diets are adjusted accordingly – cold weather often requires higher-calorie diets.

Q: Are there any behavioral changes in the animals?

A: Animal behavior usually stays the same. However, the snow leopards and tigers are more active, running, and highly visible [during the winter].

Q: What kind of habitat changes do the animals undergo during the winter? Where do some of the animals live that cant remain at the Zoo?

A: All of the animals remain at the Zoo except for the alligators and goats. The alligators return to St. Augustine, Florida for the winter season but they return as spring rolls around. The goats go back to the farm in which they were leased from in October, but will return in the spring.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job in the winter?

A: My favorite part is the intimate relationship I get with the animals. It’s up to us [the zoo keepers] to interact with them and keep them occupied [because there are less visitors]. It’s more of a challenge but I enjoy the challenge!

- Caroline Riedman, intern

Making an impact, no matter how old you are

Rachel Zoyhofski, a current student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), recently shared with me her experience working as the Zoo’s Polar Bears International (PBI) Ambassador, which took place in 2008. She also shared her knowledge on global warming and her path for career development from a teen to a young adult. This interview challenges teens to take advantage, just as Rachel did, of the resources the Rochester community, specifically the Zoo, has to offer. She created a sense of motivation for others through her own advantageous spirit and drive for success!

Q: How was your project with polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada linked with the endeavors of the Seneca Park Zoo?

A: The Seneca Park Zoo is one of the few zoos in the area that is aligned with PBI, a non-profit organization that seeks to educate the public about the plight of polar bears and the threats of global warming. With the partnership between PBI and the SPZ, I was able to allow my research to reach a wide variety of people and impact many more lives than I ever could have done on my own.

Q: How did your experience not only shape your college and career interests, but also the person you are today?

 A: The trip to Churchill shaped my future as an environmental science student (at RIT). Many times, I think we work for the sake of having a job, not a career. After seeing how our daily activities have adversely affected the lives of the polar bears, I made it my personal mission to do what ever I possibly could to help save them, make people realize the interconnected role we play in the global ecosystem and the implications of their everyday routines on a local, regional and global scale.

Q: What made you decide to become involved with polar bears as a teen, as opposed to any other animal? Have you been involved with any similar projects while at RIT?

A: I had always had an interest in global warming so it only made sense for me to take an interest in polar bears, as they are the iconic symbol of the Arctic. I’m currently working on my Master’s thesis which relates to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

Photos provided by Rachel Zoyhofski

Q: What are the most pertinent memories/observations from your trip?

A: It’s hard to say. The time I spent in Churchill will always be one of my fondest collections of memories. I’ll never forget the friends that I made while there and how close we all got in such as short time. Seeing the polar bears in their natural habitat has no comparison. I saw a mother bear trying in vain to feed her two cubs, or Arctic foxes with bright white coats which were stark in contrast to the bare ground.

Q: How do you think teens can change/have an impact on global warming, care of the Earth and/or environmental awareness/conservation?

A: It’s important to remember that everyone, no matter who they are or what age they are, can make a difference and help save the polar bears. Simple changes such as saving electricity can make a huge impact. I would tell teenagers not to be afraid to be the one who starts to make a change. They are the future stewards of our world.

Q: Finally, what advice do you have for teens looking to pursue college majors and/or career paths in the field of science?

A: I would tell them to seize any and all opportunities that come their way. You never know where they might take you. When I went to Manitoba, I had no idea that it would become a life-long pursuit of mine. Being up there changed my life.

Thank you, Rachel for such an inspiring interview!

- Caroline Riedman, teen intern

The future of zoos: A director perspective

Photo by Gabrielle Hewson

In order to have an appreciation for zoos today and advocate for zoos in the future, there must be an understanding of the role and purpose that they serve. The intention for this week’s blog is to share the significance that the Seneca Park Zoo has in the Rochester community and generalize about the importance zoos have globally. Zoos, while considered conservation efforts for countless numbers of endangered species by many, are often misconceived as places of confinement. In fact, they are just the opposite; they are homes that protect and save a variety of beautiful species for not only our enjoyment, but the preservation of ecosystems around the world.

I was able to chat with Rachel Baker August, Executive Director for the Seneca Park Zoo Society, as well as Larry Sorel, County Zoo Director, to gain their perspectives on the Zoo today and their visions for its future.

Q: Does the current animal collection provide the Zoo with the opportunity to assist in the protection of any threatened or endangered species?

Sorel: The Zoo is an ambassador for the species, an educational tool. It gives species homes under human care to educate people on direct preservation.

Therefore, the Zoo uses its exhibits to share conservation techniques, so that people can then be motivated to take direct action to help threatened or endangered species

Q: The sturgeon fish species has dated back to the age of the dinosaurs and, thanks to help from the Zoo, has become prevalent once again in Lake Ontario and the Genesee River. If you would, please describe the Zoo’s role in this project.

Sorel: The Zoo provides staff members for on-the-ground surveys. (Zoo veterinarian) Dr. Jeff Wyatt has a grant to do research on containment level and habitat surveillance.

Sorel again emphasizes the educational component; by advocating the sturgeon project, the Zoo can spread awareness on specific conservation issues.

Q: In speaking of the Zoo as a home to several species, how does Zoo architecture contribute to the habitats that promote a thriving environment?

Sorel poses two opinions on how the Zoo is transformed into a home for a number of species. First, the Zoo uses replication to give the feel of the species’ natural environment. Second, the Zoo identifies the negative aspects/threats in a natural environment and tries to eliminate those for a greater thriving environment.

Q: How can teens make the Zoo an experience of not just looking and observing animals, but a place of learning and inspiration?

Sorel: The best way is through participation in programs that the Zoo offers and by carrying out the message (of conservation).

Sorel advocates that teens become the Zoo’s ambassadors to help educate the public.

Q: As society evolves, teen interests change and expand. How will the Zoo adapt and continually modernize its teen programs to retain interest in the future? 

Photo by Kenny Nelson

Baker August: I agree with Larry that is it important for all our teens to carry the message of conservation. We know that teens are the ones to make the lifestyle changes that are essential to changing us from a consume-and-throw-away culture to a recycle-and-reuse culture. According to Bart Roselli, our Director of Education and Interpretation, we are looking to expand our teen program as one continuous one throughout the year. With our Explorers, ZooTeens and E.C.C.O. Leadership programs, we have different kids learning various aspects of the Zoo. In order for them to become expert ambassadors, the goal is to have them here longer term. Furthermore, we realize most of the teens who are interested in the Zoo are keenly focused on working with animals, therefore, we are building in an animal handling aspect into our E.C.C.O. Program.

Q: How do you see the Zoo 50 years from now? What kind of new developments, technology, exhibits, or species do you foresee?

Sorel’s main focus was on the ability to use technology and social media in a way that enhances the experience at the Seneca Park Zoo. As he looks toward the future he imagines:

• Thinner glass as an exhibit barrier between animals and people, or eliminating glass altogether
• Embedding microchips into animals to monitor health status
• Virtual connection between an animal exhibit and a scientist in the real world doing field work on that particular species

Baker August talked about the knowledge we obtain from our visitors:

“From all the survey responses, we know our visitors hope for more close-up connections with our animals. So, in less than 50 years, I would like to build in more opportunities for touching our animals, feeding them and learning their personalities. If we work to increase the public’s connection with the animals in our collection, more people will care about what happens to their populations in the wild. A fact that I heard last week – 260 elephants have been killed in Kenya solely for their ivory tusks in one mass slaughter. If we continue to let the poaching in the wilds of Africa continue, will we have any elephants left? Maybe the only place our populations will be able to see elephants is in a zoo facility.”

Sorel leaves us with an essential question: “As we get better at technology, how do we use that to our advantage without putting it between the people and the natural experience?”

The Seneca Park Zoo has an exciting future with incredible opportunities and advancements. Thanks to the insight from Sorel and Baker August we can better appreciate the Zoo today and imagine new possibilities for the future!

- Caroline Riedman, teen intern

The 2013 AAB Pre-Vet Fellowship

2010 intern Amelia Gessner working with one of our gibbons.

To foster career exploration in young adults, the Seneca Park Zoo offers an five-week, funded research and clinical internship, the AAB Pre-Vet Summer Fellowship. The Zoo’s Director of Animal Health and Conservation and head veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Wyatt, heads the program. He was able to answer a few questions below to engage college students aspiring to become veterinarians, as well as high school students that are interested in pursuing this career path in college. PLEASE NOTE: The AAB application deadline, originally set for Jan. 11, 2013 has been extended to Feb. 1, 2013. You can even read about some of our past interns’ experiences here.

Q: What does this internship offer that sets it apart from any other pre-vet internship available?

A: This is the only funded ($250 per week) plus free dorm housing internship for a pre-vet student in North America!

Q: What would a competitive resume consist of for the AAB application process?

A: The same as for a top applicant for vet school admission. Two plus years of college in a pre-vet undergraduate program, over 1,000 hours completed in BOTH traditional companion (dog/cat) and large animal (horse/cow) veterinary practices, an excellent letter of support from a vet and a great GPA (close or equal to 4.0 for the last ten years of successful AAB candidates).

Q: What does the cross sectional research project include and how will the interns benefit from it?

A: The Zoo and intern will benefit by having a project completed that will answer questions important to the Zoo and the Zoo’s animals.

Q: How has the internship impacted career success for previous interns?

A: Nearly all of our past interns are happy and successful in various vet care programs across zoos and exotic animal disciplines.

Q: What is some advice you can give for aspiring high school students to prepare for a college/career path in veterinary medicine?  

Go to Cornell’s Web site and do a Friday vet school tour. Be competitive and strategic with your prep…as well as have fun!

Career profile: Zoo Director

Larry Sorel talking to media and the community during a press conference this past year. Photo by Noelle Sippel

So far, career exploration for this blog has included jobs that directly associate with the animals. The Zoo’s County Zoo Director, Larry Sorel, answers some questions to help teens understand more of the jobs that make running a zoo possible.

Q: What are your main job duties as County Zoo Director?

A: My main job duties are to ensure the animals are well cared for, the physical facility is maintained, to insure we are compliant with all state, federal and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) regulations, that our field conservation programs move forward and to coordinate with the Zoo Society on the programs for which they are responsible according to contract with Monroe County. I also interact with the County Parks Department (of which we are a part), other County Departments and the AZA.

Q: What did you do in college that guided you towards this career path?

As an undergraduate, I was a biology major with an emphasis in population biology and evolution. I am also a thesis short of a Master’s in Public Administration.  I also did an internship at the local science center, which also maintained animals.

Q: Did you always want to be a zoo director and if so, what compelled you towards this career? If not, what were your prior career aspirations?

I cannot think of a time when I did not want to work in a zoo! Originally I thought I wanted to be a vet, but, at that time, my options were severely limited as the state I grew up in had no vet school. As it turns out I am just as glad I took the path I did as I have been exposed to such a wide variety of challenges. If I had been a vet, I don’t believe I would have had that opportunity. I do have to say that at first being a zoo director was the last thing I thought I would be doing, but as I grew in the profession and saw the impact I could make in all aspects of what a modern zoo needs to be, director became my goal.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

It is hard to say what is the favorite part of my job. I truly enjoy working with my colleagues here at Seneca Park Zoo and those across the country. I find making an impact on the direction SPZ has taken and will take very rewarding. I am gratified when I see how much our guests enjoy what we have done here, and certainly being part of our animals lives is great. 

However, as I look back at my career and forward at the time I have left, what I find most compelling and what makes me want to continue (and glad I started) is the knowledge that what I am doing has a greater meaning than just “a job.” I have been part of an effort to improve the conservation conditions for both animal and human populations around the world.

Q: What advice would you give to high school students pertaining to class courses, clubs and other extracurricular activities that would be helpful in following the career path that you have chosen?

Certainly there is the basic study hard, go to college, choose a biology related major, but just as much, get practical exposure to what a zoo is all about. Spend some time volunteering at a zoo, join a club (that relates to a passion you have) to learn and understand social interrelationships, seek a leadership role in the activities you do. All these will prepare you for a future as a zoo leader.

- Caroline Riedman, intern