<em>By Judie Steenberg (12/09)
Retired Zoo Keeper
Maplewood, Minnesota</em>

<strong>In-House  Communication</strong>
Let’s now consider communication in a zoo situation.  There are two major factors that affect Keepers and communication.  One is the policy of the zoo and the administrative staff in providing the means for communication within the zoo’s operation.  Does the Keeper have the opportunity to exchange ideas and information with co-workers and the administrative staff, to record important observations and data for the zoo’s permanent record, and to be involved with the zoo’s volunteers and visitors?   Is the Keeper encouraged to develop as a communicator within his/her own zoo and with other zoos?  All of these things have an important effect on the success of a Keeper’s communicative efforts.  But, even in an ideal zoo, with all of these avenues open, a second, very important, key factor is the attitude of the Keeper.  Unless an effort is made on the part of the individual, none of it means much.

It is a fact of life that nothing is accomplished without effort.  Good relationships among Keepers and the administrative staff do not just happen, they’re developed through communication.  Albeit, there are zoos where this is not possible but, often, where effort is made, success follows.  You can communicate successfully if you use the right approach, have a constructive attitude and try hard enough.  Persistence pays off….but be cautious about over-communicating which can cause others to tune you out.  Planning how and with whom you’re trying to communicate are essentials to being successful.

For those who work in zoos that realize the value of good Keepers, the possibilities of communicating are many.  Zoo records are the first area of input.  It is hard to imagine that something hasn’t happened during the day that is not worth noting.  Perhaps it does not require an entry on the zoo’s records but, then again, maybe it does.  Keepers must develop skills to perceive, interpret and apply information about the animals in their care.  Perception means noticing, observing, listening to and realizing what’s taking place.  A new Keeper must develop this ability while veteran Keepers must take care not to become complacent or oblivious to what’s happening.

Interpretation means analyzing information according to importance and relevance.  The application of information can be by oral or written communication, or through performance.  Performance?  Yes, how a Keeper transfers or relates information to the daily care of animals.  This could take the form of training a new Keeper or of working well with co-workers.  Probably the single most effective means of communication is making entries in the zoo’s records.  “Many species of animals owe their existence to facts learnt about them in zoological institutions.” (Hediger 1964)…..note the year on that reference; we’re still learning and the need to communicate information about the care of the animals continues to be of major importance.

Communications between co-workers and administrative staff may not always be optimal.  It is not reasonable to expect that everybody will always agree with or understand everything that’s being communicated.  But, if a Keeper’s attitude is constructive and the effort is rational, much can be accomplished.  Keepers have a unique position in a zoo’s operation; they have the opportunity to communicate with members of the administrative staff, auxiliary staff (maintenance, volunteers, etc.)  and zoo visitors about first-hand experiences with the animals.  Although zoo visitors can be difficult to deal with at times, Keepers can do much to educate them. Because Keepers can relate first-hand information about the animals, they can generate sincere interest and appreciation of the animals in their care.

As a Keeper, you have much to share and accomplish at all levels of zoo communication; how much depends on you and the zoo you work at.  Perhaps you are only interested in communication on a scientific level with your colleagues.  But, if you choose to, you have the ability to do more for your zoo than you may realize.  Whatever your predilection, you have a responsibility, as a Keeper, to at least communicate information about the animals in your care to those within your zoo who can aide in their care and management.

A good, quality zoo’s strongest asset is………..

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