Potter Park Zoo AAZK chapter

Potter Park Zoo AAZK chapter We are a part of the American Association of Zookeepers, and we are devoted to wildlife conservation.

Happy World Goat Day from our herd to yours! Starting with the first photo Crush, Pearl, Gill, Sq**rt, Bruce, Hank, Ches...
08/21/2025

Happy World Goat Day from our herd to yours! Starting with the first photo Crush, Pearl, Gill, Sq**rt, Bruce, Hank, Chester!

As we close out National Zookeeper Week, we would like to thank all of the other members of our chapter as well! Our cha...
07/26/2025

As we close out National Zookeeper Week, we would like to thank all of the other members of our chapter as well! Our chapter comprises keepers from Potter Park Zoo and John Ball Zoo, seasonals from both zoos, interns, and the vet tech from Potter Park Zoo!

Once again, Happy National Zookeeper Week to all past, present, and future zookeepers and all those who work with animals!

Photo credit: Animals Anonymous Apparel

Our 10th Annual Bowling for Rhinos Event is just a few weeks away! We would like to take this time to remind you to purc...
07/26/2025

Our 10th Annual Bowling for Rhinos Event is just a few weeks away! We would like to take this time to remind you to purchase tickets by July 28th to receive the exclusive 2025 event shirt!

We also would like to thank some of our sponsors for the event: Doggy Daycare and and Joey's Pet Outfitters have been longtime sponsors and we are grateful for their support again this year!

Our final Keeper Spotlight is on Jazzmin!She’s not only our excellent Chapter President but also a dedicated Hoofstock K...
07/25/2025

Our final Keeper Spotlight is on Jazzmin!
She’s not only our excellent Chapter President but also a dedicated Hoofstock Keeper!

Jazzmin works with an incredible variety of animals—including bongos, okapi, kangaroos, rhinos, and so many more. Her care and commitment to these animals are unmatched.

When asked about her work, Jazzmin shared something truly heartfelt:

“No matter what, the animals are always there for you. They can tell when you’re having a bad day, something’s gone right, or something’s gone wrong. Showing up to work means showing up for some of the most amazing animals. Sure, it can be tough—but if it were easy, it wouldn’t be called work.”

Next, meet Carly, one of our impressive Ectotherm Keepers at John Ball Zoo! She primarily works with herps and aquatics,...
07/25/2025

Next, meet Carly, one of our impressive Ectotherm Keepers at John Ball Zoo! She primarily works with herps and aquatics, but she’s also a versatile team player who fills in with the chimpanzees and small mammals whenever needed.

Carly’s journey with animals began in the spring of 2016 as an animal care volunteer—and she’s been hooked on zoo life ever since!

She’s also a proud member of the Venomous Animal and Dive teams!

Current Favorite Animal:
The swell sharks have stolen her heart lately—but picking an all-time favorite? That’s an impossible task!

Next, meet Erin, one of our excellent keepers at John Ball Zoo! You can usually find her hard at work in Natural Treasur...
07/25/2025

Next, meet Erin, one of our excellent keepers at John Ball Zoo! You can usually find her hard at work in Natural Treasures, where she’s been making magic happen for the past 11 years (and has been a keeper for an impressive 15 years total!).

Keeper Wisdom from Erin:
“Caring for animals is no walk in the park—it’s tough on both the mind and body! Some days are exhausting, but most are incredibly rewarding. And here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret: those buckets we haul around? They’re rarely full of food… It’s usually dirty dishes or smelly compost!”

Next, meet Gabbi, a dedicated keeper for the past 2.5 years. Her passion, hard work, and positive energy shine through e...
07/23/2025

Next, meet Gabbi, a dedicated keeper for the past 2.5 years. Her passion, hard work, and positive energy shine through every day.

When asked about her favorite species to work with, Gabbi didn’t hesitate:
“I love working with the okapi! They’re such a unique and special species. Training with him has been a rewarding experience—we’ve built a strong bond, and I always look forward to our sessions (and giving him lots of ear scratches, which he loves!).”

Next up is Shannon – Celebrating 1 Year at Potter Park Zoo! Shannon has been a zookeeper at Potter Park Zoo for one year...
07/23/2025

Next up is Shannon – Celebrating 1 Year at Potter Park Zoo!

Shannon has been a zookeeper at Potter Park Zoo for one year and is part of our birds and reptiles team!

A fun fact about Shannon: She’s worked in five different states for jobs or internships — Minnesota, Indiana (twice!), Texas, Kansas, and New Jersey — and of course,
Michigan!

Her journey across the country has brought her a wealth of experience and a deep love for animals!

Next up, meet Autumn! Zookeeper I here at Potter Park Zoo and Secretary of our AAZK chapter!This month marks 3 years as ...
07/22/2025

Next up, meet Autumn!
Zookeeper I here at Potter Park Zoo and Secretary of our AAZK chapter!

This month marks 3 years as a full-time keeper for Autumn, and her passion shows daily. She has the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing species – including okapi, bongos, and black rhinos. 🦏

When asked what her animals have taught her, Autumn said:
“No matter how busy your day is, there’s always time to stop and give the animals a little love and scratches.”

Next up, we have Delanie! Delanie has been a keeper at Potter Park Zoo for two years and is also the Eastern Massasauga ...
07/22/2025

Next up, we have Delanie!

Delanie has been a keeper at Potter Park Zoo for two years and is also the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake IR (Institutional Representative)!

She works with a diverse group of species, but her top favorites include ravens, southern ground hornbills, penguins, and tegu.

What makes these animals stand out to her? “They’re all so inquisitive,” she says. “Each one has such a strong, unique personality—it keeps every day exciting and meaningful.” Whether she’s enriching a raven’s day or watching a penguin waddle over to say hello, Delanie brings patience and creativity to every interaction.

Outside of daily care routines, Delanie is passionate about building strong bonds with her animals and helping guests see them in a new light. Her commitment to animal welfare and education makes her an invaluable part of the team.

Next up, meet Paige! Paige is our newest member and Potter Park Zoo's newest keeper. She’s part of the Bird & H**p team ...
07/21/2025

Next up, meet Paige!
Paige is our newest member and Potter Park Zoo's newest keeper. She’s part of the Bird & H**p team and has been with the zoo for four months!

Her Favorite Training Moment:
It was the very first time she got to participate in a training session—what a rush! It was an incredible learning experience, and she felt super lucky to be a part of it.

Top Species:
How can she possibly choose?! Every species has its own quirks and charm, and she loves them all for totally different reasons!

What Animals Have Taught Me:
Patience, 100%! Animals have their own pace, and working with them has really shown me the value of slowing down and going with the flow

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1301 S Pennsylvania Avenue
Lansing, MI
48912

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+19894949964

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