Behind the Scenes: Highlighting Our Keepers’ Hard Work

Published July 22, 2024

National Zookeeper Appreciation Week is July 21-27, and we are extremely thankful for the work they do each day. Guided by their expertise, WOW contributes to research and conservation efforts all over the world. As an Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited facility, WOW ensures quality animal welfare, husbandry, scientific education, and staff training.

Accreditation through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums is a lengthy process of evaluation for programs, organizations, and institutions. Experts in their fields measure facilities against established standards and best practices set in place by AZA to ensure operations, animal welfare, husbandry, and veterinary medicine meet specific standards.  

Wonders of Wildlife was proudly accredited by the AZA in 2022. This recognition has allowed us to be a part of ongoing partnerships and new opportunities such as rehabilitating cold-stunned sea turtles and helping critically endangered Orinoco crocodiles. These two initiatives have given our teams the chance to engage with remarkable species and conduct research which can be used for future efforts. 

---

Additionally, the Life Sciences team at WOW recently acquired Russian sturgeon and paddlefish from OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona. The team followed a truck and trailer west to transport these beautifully unique fish to their new home here in the Ozarks.

Paddlefish are considered a vulnerable species. They are rarely transported since they are extremely sensitive to stress. Monitoring their behavior and the conditions of their tanks during such an extensive trip is vital for the animal’s wellbeing. Any kind of change to their environment can be overwhelming and stressful which is why our teams work diligently to reduce the amount of distress experienced. 

Zoos and aquariums communicate with each other to share effective and ineffective methods regarding animal transport. This information steers zoologists and aquarists in the right direction to make these transports ethical and successful. When moving aquatic animals, communication includes factors like: 

• Do the animals do better in a tank together or by themselves?  
• How often should water quality be tested?
• Regarding toxicity, what are normal dissolved oxygen levels and what are concerning ammonia levels?
• What is the procedure for when pH levels of the water drop?

Wonders of Wildlife has been a part of 185 transports since May 2021. By sharing experiences and protocols with each other, facilities not only ease the stress of an animal, but the keepers own stress. By equipping teams with the knowledge and confidence to handle any mission they face, it prevents them from operating in the dark and risking an animal’s life. 

---

Wonders of Wildlife has an array of species representing ecosystems and regions from across the globe. By partnering with aquariums and zoos around the United States, including facilities like OdySea Aquarium, Shreveport Aquarium in Louisiana and SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, we can share the wonders of wildlife with our guests for years to come! 

Animal transport is just a glimpse at the work our staff does to ensure quality animal care. Overall, they are extremely dedicated and work hard to keep our animal residents happy and healthy! Our keepers and life sciences team are some of the most knowledgeable when it comes to taking care of every species, from diet to veterinary care. When you visit Wonders of Wildlife, be sure to thank our aquarists and keepers when you see them!