Animal Programs Department Brings The Zoo To You

Tucked away behind tall fences and a series of security gates on the sprawling Columbus Zoo grounds are several nondescript beige buildings. Within them are a team of animal ambassadors and their human handlers who, working together, help bring the Columbus Zoo out and into the community. When I first heard whispers of the Animal Programs Department, I immediately thought that it sounded like a dream job. Hanging out with cheetah cubs and joeys (baby kangaroos) all day—where do I sign up!? Of course the reality of the job is that, it’s still, well, a job.

Now don’t get me wrong; these folks love their jobs. They’re among the most passionate and enthusiastic employees you’ll find. And while they do get paid to chill with adorable sloths, they also have to clean up their poop, which—since sloths only defecate once a week or so—can be upwards of one third of their body weight. A little less adorable now, huh?

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On the social side, the program staff spends lots of one-on-one time with animals so they can be attuned to their animals’ individual needs and personalities. Outreach programs that connect zoo animals with community groups—from school-aged children to senior groups and everyone in between—serve a vital purpose, educate the community and make a connection between the animal kingdom and the ways humans are impacting it. But snuggling with servals and letting lemurs hang from your arm, it’s all in a day’s work.

Photos and story by Brian Kaiser.

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