56: The Modern Zookeeper and the Importance of Redefining What We Do with Sam Meinke, Palm Beach Zoo

This episode Sam Meinke, Palm Beach Zoo, and podcast host, Shane Gorbett, discusses what it means to be a modern zookeeper. The definition of what a zookeeper is and does has drastically changed and is constantly evolving as we continue to progress animal care forward. Some other modern zookeepers were kind enough to share what being a modern zookeeper means to them so Sam and Shane dissect those answers as we redefine what it means to be a zookeeper. The discussion wraps up with the importance of redefining what a modern zookeeper is and does both for the knowledge of the public but also for those currently in the field or hoping to start their careers. Stay tuned in for Sam's "Training Tales" which involves a ground hornbill and a "long cheetah turd". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Sam you can message him on Facebook or Instagram. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

3:20 Introduction to Sam Meinke 

4:40 Definition of a Zookeeper and redefining into a Modern Zookeeper

13:40 Using the past as a baseline to grow from and do better 

20:20 A Modern Zookeeper…. Adapts to new information 

22:50 Progressive, Use the artful application of scientific principles 

23:45 Knows the individual animals 

25:20 Creative, thinks outside the box for enriching the lives of animals 

28:20 Responsible for providing each individual animal the best life possible 

30:22 Creates a bond with the animals, knows each of their personalities 

32:00 Eager to share their special connection with everyone 

32:50 Strives to create positive connections in all interactions, changing the mindset from making to asking 

36:46 Does research, looks to natural history of animals 

38:15 Selfless, puts the animals’ needs above their own, open to feedback 

39:20 Prioritizes behavioral management as a necessity

41:30 Focuses on animal wellbeing 

43:10 Importance of redefining the modern zookeeper

45:40 Advice on changing the mindset of a team into striving to be modern zookeeprs 

49:00 “Training Tales”