Find out more about the zookeepers at Brooklands Zoo.
How long have you been in the zoo industry?
I am the onsite manager at Brooklands Zoo and have been in this role since January 2008. Prior to this I worked in various roles involving both keeper duties as well as managerial roles in Canada. I also have a background in wildlife rehabilitation involving species both native to Canada as well as New Zealand and have participated in both bird monitoring and bird banding projects in both Canada and New Zealand.
Why did you become a keeper?
I am a true ‘animal geek’ and have always wanted to work with animals and contribute to conservation.
What is the best thing about the job?
Working in a job that I’m so passionate about and working with great people! I feel very privileged to work in this role.
What is the worst thing about the job?
Having to farewell an animal (whether it’s due to age/health issues or animal transfers to another facility).
What animals do you work with at the zoo?
I’m in a managerial role and primarily work in the office as a lot of regulatory, reporting, permits and administrative tasks are required with running a zoo. I oversee all the animals in the Brooklands Zoo collection.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
I really can’t choose a favourite - each animal has their own quirky personality.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
For such a small zoo Brooklands Zoo has a lot of personality and a great team of staff. We regularly receive compliments on the high standard of care we provide to the animals here - high animal welfare standards is very important to us. We’re also proud to be a ZAA Welfare Accredited Member and contribute to wildlife rehabilitation with our partners at the NP Vet Group and the Department of Conservation.
How long have you been in the zoo industry?
Since March 2008
Why did you become a keeper?
I’ve always enjoyed working with animals. I thought I’d be a vet but after watching the TV series ‘The Zoo’ based at Auckland Zoo, I realised some people were lucky enough to get to work with some of the most amazing species, being hands on with conservation and being able to make a global impact just by going to a job you love each day..
What is the best thing about the job?
That after so many years, I’m still excited to get up and go to work.
What is the worst thing about the job?
The loss of an animal can be very hard, especially if you have worked with them for a long time. There will always be special individuals that touch your heart more than others.
What animals do you work with at the zoo?
I work with the exotic species such as capuchins, cotton-top tamarins, meerkats, red-rumped agouti and squirrel monkeys.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
The cotton-top tamarins are my absolute favourites. I was lucky enough to travel to Colombia to work with Proyecto Titi, an amazing conservation initiative based in the only place in the world that cotton-top tamarins are found and see them in the wild. These tiny primates are critically endangered and at Brooklands Zoo we are part of a regional breeding program.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
We are small but mighty. We are fully welfare accredited, participate in breeding programs, give educational talks and help rehabilitate native wildlife.
How long have you been a keeper?
Since April 2002.
Why did you become a keeper?
I have always loved animals and love working outside.
What is the best thing about the job?
Hand feeding the exotic animals!
What is the worst thing about the job?
Having to say good bye to an animal either passing or moving to another facility.
What animals do you work with at the Zoo?
I get to work with all the animals.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
The meerkats.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
Because it is free. Brooklands zoo has special animals and the keepers are awesome to work with.
How long have you worked in the zoo industry?
I started my first full time keeper role at Brooklands Zoo in April of 2020, but had previously worked as a summer student and volunteered at the zoo.
Why did you become a zookeeper?
I have always loved animals since I was a child and as I have grown up I have seen such a decline in the number of wild species and habitats around the world. As a zookeeper I have the chance to make a small difference and hopefully inspire people to save these animals and their habitats so we can enjoy them in the wild for many years to come.
What is the best thing about the job?
Being able to provide the best animal welfare. Providing enrichment and seeing the animals actively using it is always satisfying.
Learning the personalities of each individual animal.
What is the worst thing about the job?
Saying goodbye to the animals can be very difficult as we all put a lot of time and care into looking after them.
What animals do you look after?
I am training to look after the exotic species, but have the ability to work with farm animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
What is your favourite animal at the zoo?
It is very hard to choose a favourite as they are all so unique, but I have a soft spot for the primates, as they can be so cheeky.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
Being a welfare-accredited zoo is a testament to all the hard work that goes into providing the best for our animals. Also being a free zoo is amazing, as it means anyone can come and visit.
How long have you been a keeper?
I have been a keeper at Brooklands since 2015, and worked another four years previously at a larger zoo.
Why did you become a keeper?
Because I am crazy about wildlife! I had also heard about all the wonderful things zoos were doing to help wildlife both in-situ and ex-situ and wanted to be a part of that.
What is the best thing about the job?
So many things! One of them for me is seeing animals have that ‘eureka’ moment during a training session - that moment when they really understand what it is you are teaching them. Also seeing our animals enjoying and really benefiting from enrichment items. And we have a great team.
What’s the worst thing about the job?
Losing animals we care about. You cannot work with animals without experiencing both joy and heartache.
What animals do you work with at the zoo?
I’ve worked closely with birds and reptiles so mostly them! But I also help out with the exotics and farm animals as required.
What is your favourite animal at the zoo?
I am quite fond of our Lady Amherst’s pheasants and Reva the leopard gecko. The owls (both species) are just gorgeous too. The otters are intense but awesome and I think most of us have a soft spot for Inti the squirrel monkey. Sorry- pretty hard to choose just one!
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
It’s small but perfectly formed. Welfare is of utmost importance and we work hard to provide the best care we can. It’s also accessible to anyone and everyone.
How long have you been in the zoo industry?
I worked and volunteered at Brooklands Zoo on and off throughout my university study but I began my first permanent keeping role in May 2019.
Why did you become a keeper?
Originally, I became a keeper because of my love for working with animals but with research and experience, I have come to appreciate the role of zoos in conservation, education and research.
What is the best thing about the job?
Feeding the animals and handling them (where needed); as well as bonding with them and getting to know their unique personalities.
What is the worst thing about the job?
Saying goodbye to animals and cold, rainy days.
What animals do you work with at the zoo?
I work with a variety of species such as the farmyard animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and am also training to work with exotic species such as the meerkats and cotton top tamarins.
What is your favourite animal at the zoo?
I am pretty obsessed with the leopard tortoises and I also have a soft spot for Cinnamon the alpaca, the musk lorikeets in the free-flight aviary and many more.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
I grew up in New Plymouth so I have been visiting Brooklands Zoo my whole life and I think the thing that makes Brooklands Zoo stand out from other facilities is that it is free and therefore, accessible to everyone!
How long have you been a keeper?
I have been a keeper at Brooklands Zoo since August 2015.
Why did you become a keeper?
I’ve always loved being around animals and even had pet snails as a child. I’m especially keen on wildlife conservation and being a keeper means I can play a small part in ensuring animals are well cared for.
What is the best thing about the job?
Seeing the animals first thing each morning reminds me every day of how lucky I am to work here – and being a part of a great team of fun, dedicated keepers who have taught me so much about what it is to be an excellent zookeeper. It really is the best job I’ve ever had!
What is the worst thing about the job?
Working outside in the middle of winter, when it’s cold and pouring with rain.
What animals do you work with at the zoo?
I work in the bird section and on the farm. I really like the variation in my job. No two days are the same.
What is your favourite animal at the zoo?
Can I only have one? I love the grunts and snuffles of the kunekunes, and the way they relax when given a scratch.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
Having grown up in Okato, Brooklands Zoo was a special part of my childhood. I loved bringing my own children here and I think that’s true for many Taranaki families. The fond memories are passed down through the generations. It’s a New Plymouth institution!
How long have you been a keeper?
I started at Brooklands Zoo in Nov 2023, but have been working with animals for 12 years.
Why did you become a keeper?
I have always had a passion for wildlife and conservation and it naturally became my career through lots of hard work.
What is the best thing about the job?
Getting to work with animals every day. It is always a huge success when a training plan or enrichment idea works well and the animals benefit.
What is the worst thing about the job?
Saying goodbye to animals and cold rainy days.
What animals do you work with at the Zoo?
I am currently working with the farm animals and will be training with more animals soon.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
I can't choose just one, each animal has their own personality which makes them all unique to work with.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
It's free and accessible to everyone. We have a team of passionate people working together for the animals and their welfare.
How long have you been a keeper?
Since 2020
Why did you become a keeper?
I’ve always loved animals (national geographic channel was the only thing I’d sit still for as a kid) and anywhere I’ve travelled, the first plan is, where is the nearest zoo? And where can I see animals in the wild.
What is the best thing about the job?
Getting to learn about the individual animals, while learning more about the species as a whole, especially ones I haven’t worked with previously.
What is the worst thing about the job?
It’s pretty hard when animals pass away. After all the care the team provide them, they become part of the family.
What animals do you work with at the Zoo?
Currently working with the Birds and Reptiles/Amphibians, but I’m slowly learning to work with all of them.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
Not supposed to have favourites, but I’m partial to the Fire Bellied Newts, they are so cute and tiny and clumsy and adorable.
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
It has a nice mix of species covering the same sections that you’d find at any zoo, and you can’t beat the price! A free zoo!
How long have you been a keeper?
I’ve been working as a keeper since 2024 but I started as a volunteer in 2020 and was a summer student in 2022 and 2023.
Why did you become a keeper?
I wanted to make a difference in the world. I’ve always loved animals, I like to work outdoors and I wanted to be a part of the conservation efforts that zoos are a part of.
What is the best thing about the job?
Getting to know the different personalities of our animals, watching animals use their natural behaviours with enrichment, and seeing visitors’ eyes light up when they learn something new.
What is the worst thing about the job?
Saying goodbye to the animals we care for and grow attached to. The cold and wet Taranaki winter is not great either!
What animals do you work with at the Zoo?
I mostly work with the birds, reptiles, amphibians and farm animals, but I’m being trained on some of the exotic animals too.
What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?
An impossible question! I have too many favourites. One of my favourites is Fernando the capybara. Although you’ll often find him sleeping during the day, on a hot day, he’ll do barrel rolls in his pond! But I also find the cotton-top tamarins fascinating. Did you know some of their calls can’t be perceived by the human ear? And they form basic grammatical patterns!
Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?
Brooklands Zoo has evolved a lot since I was a child! There is now quite a range of species even though it’s small, and being free and accessible means anyone can come to see the animals and learn about how you can help conservation.
