Meet Our Zookeepers

Beth P. has worked at Henry Vilas Zoo for 5 and a half years. You can catch her taking care of the primates, birds and seals. The dustpan is her favorite cleaning tool. She loves when Zoo guests tell her they love Henry Vilas Zoo! Unloading a semi- load of hay during the summer is her least favorite chore. She thinks between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. is the best time of day at the Zoo. "Be the change you want to see in the world," by Ghandi is her favorite quote. The neatest animal sound she has heard is the "ah-ah's" from the chimps, thanking her for a treat. Watermelon is also called "iron-fruit" is the most recent thing she learned.


Gary H. has worked at Henry Vilas Zoo for 8 years. You can find Gary taking care of the penguins, rhinos, cats and bears. Doodlebug Scrubbing pad is his favorite cleaning tool. He loves when zoo guests read animal fact signs, and THEN ask questions. But, his least favorite chore is emptying all of the public area garbage cans. 10:00 a.m. is his favorite time at the Zoo because it's open and visitors are on grounds. His favorite animal sound is gibbons singing.

Jennifer Z. has worked at Henry Vilas Zoo for nearly 5 years. You can find her working at the Children's Zoo and the Giraffe Barn. Her favorite cleaning tool is the hose! While she loves when zoo guests read signs about the animals, but she could do without water changes for the Aviary and Stingray Aquariums. She says the best time to be at the zoo with the animals is at 8:00 a.m. "Only you can prevent forest fires," by Smokey the Bear is her favorite quote. Her family animal sound is Gibbons calling. The most recent thing she learned is baby red pandas are lactose intolerant.


Jess T. has worked at Henry Vilas Zoo since November of 2010. You can find Jess Everywhere! She spends lots of time in Children's Zoo and with the Primates. The foamer is her favorite cleaning tool. She loves when Zoo guests read the signs. Unpacking the bamboo for the red pandas is his least favorite chore. She thinks first thing in the morning is the best time of day at the Zoo. "There are no strangers, just friends we have not yet met," is her favorite quote. She thinks the neatest animal sound is singing gibbons. The most recent thing she's learned is nicotine is toxic to spiders.


Laura R. has worked at Henry Vilas Zoo for about 5 years. She usually works in the feathered Zoo areas. The hose is her favorite cleaning tool. She loves when Zoo guests ask good question. Bleaching algae is her least favorite chore. She loves being at the zoo at 8:00 a.m. because the grounds are quiet and the birds are singing! "Respect My Authority!" (in a Cartman-like voice) is her favorite quote, and guinea pigs purring is the neatest animal sound she has heard. Eating vitamin C with Iron-rich foods increases your retention of iron is the most recent thing she has learned.