Ann Kissel works for the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL.
She has a COOL JOB as a Senior Zoo Keeper.

"Zoo Keeping allows you to witness the ultimate cycle of life!"

A Day in the Life of:
Imagine taking care of a living creature who can only speak to you through eye contact and day to day mannerisms? Kissel is in charge of keeping all the animals of the African Habitat in the Brookfield Zoo healthy, clean, safe and happy. She is involved in every aspect of their lives and at times she said it's hard not to get attached.

On a September morning her day begins cleaning the giraffe environment. She cleans every animal's cage by sweeping or hosing and then makes the appropriate feeding rounds. She prepares the food for the first of two daily giraffe feedings. Two giraffes, Mithra - a female, and Dusti - a male, wait anxiously for her arrival. Kissel feeds them, monitors their behavior and practices behavioral training with them. "They are very big and shy. To get them to trust you is exciting."

Every day Kissel has a training session with the African Wild Dogs and with the Giraffes - one in the morning and one in the evening. She breaks for lunch and then returns in the afternoon to observe the animals again. She makes sure their behavior is healthy and that they are eating properly.

In emergencies or urgent situations, she may be pulled off her regular duties to care for a sick animal or to supervise a birth. She is eager to remind potential zoo keepers that although she spends most of her days with animals, there are numerous meetings and workshops that she is part of as well. Kissel also spends two hours every morning prepping the animals environment for the opening of the zoo. This entails cleaning the windows, sweeping and making sure it is all clean. Kissel also works weekends and several nights, especially when there are evening workshops or events at the zoo.

High Five:
"Experiencing every aspect of an animal's life."

Down Low:
"Extreme weather conditions can be trying. In rain, snow or shine, animals need care". Kissel said that it's also difficult to maintain a professional relationship with the animals without getting too attached.

How She Got This Gig:
During her sophomore year in college, Kissel began exploring animal jobs. She worked in a veterinary clinic for six years and then during her junior year a friend suggested that she look into an internship at the Brookfield Zoo. Her true career as a zoo keeper began when she was accepted in the internship program at the zoo. After that, Kissel moved her way up the ranks from an unpaid internship to a seasonal paid position. "I had to wait my turn until a full-time position became available. That's the most frustrating part." She then scored a full-time spot as assistant zoo keeper, after several months she moved to zoo keeper and finally senior zoo keeper. It took her three years to attain a full-time gig there.

Wish List:
"I want to go to Africa." Believe it or not Kissel has been working in the African habitat at the Zoo for eight years but has never visited the continent!

How Cool is This?
"Seeing any animal being born is rewarding but especially an endangered animal." Kissel is always on call for emergencies or births at the zoo.

Did You Know?
Giraffes love soft hamburger buns! They eat carrots, alfalfa, bread, grain pellets and other vegetables. African birds like to chow on crickets, mini meal worms and wax worms. Dwarf mongooses can weigh about 500 grams.

Words From the Wise:
For those who want to work in the zoo field, Kissel suggests getting as much experience as possible. "Work in a clinic, animal shelter or rehab clinic. Clean kennels. Get experience." Once you have the job she said it's wonderful. "Remember that you are a caretaker for another living being. If you can make their environment as comfortable as possible it's really rewarding."

Education:
Animal Science degree from University of Illinois - Champagne Urbana.