Ellington

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian and an archeologist.

Describe your work day in three words.

Fulfilling. Tough. Interesting.

What tools could you not live or work without?

A broom, a shovel and a rake.

What steps brought you to this position?

The love of animals and working outside.

What's the strangest aspect of your job?

Animal behavior changing, I guess ... It could be for all different reasons, you know.

What's the best thing about your job?

The best thing is to be around the animals--just to be in this environment.

What advice do you have for others who would like to become a zookeeper?

Be prepared for hard work. Try to know what you're getting into. So many people don't know what it is (to really be a zookeeper). It's not just playing with animals.