On The Job: Zookeeper

Nicki Boyd is absolutely wild about her job! She's the Team Lead Zookeeper at the Children's Zoo in California's famous San Diego Zoo. Nicki trains and cares for creatures big and small. She also teaches people about the importance of protecting wildlife.

Q: How did you get where you are today?
I attended and graduated from Moorpark's Teaching Zoo in California and then went on to more schooling as a veterinary technician. I was hired at the San Diego Zoo two weeks after graduation. I have been at the zoo for 12 years. I was a keeper for nine years and have been a Team Lead Zookeeper for the last three years.

Q: What personality traits do you need to do this job well?
This job requires someone who is dedicated to animal care. I do a lot of public speaking, so being outgoing helps you get up in front of a large audience or a TV camera to teach people about the animals.

Q: Can you describe your typical day?
A typical day at the zoo is anything but typical. We always have the feeding and cleaning to do, but we do so much more. Some days, like yesterday, I have to take some monkeys to see the veterinarian for a checkup. Some days I take animals to the local news station to teach viewers about animals and conservation. We do daily training sessions so you can come to the Children's Zoo and meet the animals up close and in person. The variety is what makes this job so fun!

Q: What animals do you work with?
I work in the Children's Zoo, which has over 200 animals. I am responsible for all of them in some way. We have spider monkeys, red pandas, wombats, otters, birds of prey, parrots, naked mole rats, reptiles and so much more. I really like working with birds, mammals, and reptiles, and that's why I love working in the Children's Zoo!

Q: Which animal do you most like to work with? Why?
I have a few favorites. Our binturong (a relative of the meerkat and mongoose) and tree kangaroo both come out on leashes for animal presentations and walks. I also enjoy the red pandas and recently started training pygmy marmosets, which are the smallest monkeys in the world. That has been challenging and rewarding. Each animal and species has its own personality. It is interesting to train them because you get to see how they think.

Q: What's the best thing about your job?
The best part of my job is feeling that I make a difference in the world. The animals help me reach people about conservation. I hope that they recycle, don't buy animal products like fur, and continue to support conservation after making a connection with wildlife.