No two days ever the same for the lucky zookeepers
IT MAY sound cliché, but no two days are ever the same for the seven zookeepers who work at Queensland Zoo.
Senior zookeeper Danielle Chinn oversees the primate sections and among the most interesting of her roles is teaching the monkeys to paint - a technique that helps keep them entertained.
"Primates are really intelligent and need constant mental stimulation," Danielle said.
"The baboons can actually use a brush, whereas the smaller monkeys just jump in the paint and get creative."
Mornings start bright and early at 7am for the zookeepers.
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Standard jobs include checking on the animals, preparing food and cleaning enclosures.
In the afternoons, the zookeepers usually focus on the "animal experiences" where visiting public get to interact with the animals.
Other not-so standard jobs include building new enclosures, making repairs and helping with animal births.
The zookeepers and a host of volunteers also played an integral, hands-on role in physically moving the animals from their previous location at Alma Park Zoo, Dakabin, to their new home on the Sunshine Coast last year.
"I went to a zoo in Year 12 and just fell in love," Danielle said.
"I knew then and there that working with animals was something I wanted to do. I am really passionate about educating others about these animals and sharing my knowledge.
"It's such a rewarding job and we wouldn't change it for the world."
