See Below for our Wishlist and Career Opportunities!!

The keepers here at the Utica Zoo are one of our most prized resources.  Without their knowledge and dedication the zoo would not operate.  Thank you.

Besides the day to day cleaning and feeding of the animals, the animal keepers are also responsible for Environmental Enrichment and Training.  Environmental enrichment is the way we promote species-appropriate behavior, while giving the animals choice over their environment.  Check out the pictures below to see some examples of enrichment and training in action.  And if you are interested in being a part of our Enrichment program, you can help the animals by purchasing enrichment items for them.  Simply go to http://www.sanctuarysupplies.com/uticazoo/ .  There you will find a wishlist of items that we could use to better care for the animals here at the zoo.  You can purchase these items from Sanctuary Supplies and they will be shipped directly to the zoo.  Keep track of your donations because they are completely tax deductible!

The animal care staff are often in need of items that we can use to better care for the animals.  Some of these items are useful for Environmental Enrichment, while others help us to keep their living spaces clean.  Look over our WISHLIST.  If you can provide us with any of these items we would be most grateful, and remember, your donations are always tax deductible.

Items under $50

Items over $50

Nature CDs Photo paper-glossy Magnet Photo Paper Heated Water Dishes-6 in. and 12 in. Art Supplies - Canvas, Non-toxic Paints, Brushes 100 and 250 Watt Ceramic Heat Emitters Digital Thermometers and Hygrometers Chlorine Bleach Sponges/scrubbers Gift Cards for Petsmart, Walmart or Price Chopper Spring water Kitty Litter Cracked Corn-bagged Pelleted Rabbit food Apricot Nectar Water Bottles (16 and 32 oz.) Feed dishes- Stainless steel, black rubber (found in feed stores) Hand Sanitizing Gel (ex. Purrell) Band Aid (for First Aid kits) Copy Paper (8" x 11", white) Colored Card Stock Business Card Stock Scissors (adult use) Trash Bags (30 and 55 gallon sizes) Paper Towels Latex or vinyl gloves (size medium and large)

Vari-Kennels- Animal Carrying kennels in Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes RubberMaid Storage Lockers Compact Digital Camera Snow Blower (in good working condition, walk-behind or riding) Lawn Mower Shovels Lawn Rakes Golf Carts (in good working order) Truck (1/2 ton or larger, in good working order) Little Tikes (TM) Toys 2007 Polaris RANGER 6X6 EFI Digital Reptile and/or Gamebird Egg Incubators X-ray cartridges 1000 lb capacity Scale (PS-100) 5000 lb capacity Scale (WB-5000)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Animal Keepers - We are currently accepting resumes for future Animal Keeper positions.  Applicants must possess a minimum of an Associate's Degree in an appropriate science based discipline.  Animal care experience preferred.  Animal Keeper duites include daily cleaning/feeding, record keeping, enrichment, operant conditioning, diet preparation, exhibit maintenance/construction, as well as assisting during veterinary procedures and education programming.  Applicants must be able to lift 50lbs as well as be prepared to work in various weather and environmental conditions.  See below for contact details.   

Animal Care and Education Department Internships:  We are accepting resumes for the 2008 summer season.   The internship is very physical and demanding.  Interns must be able to lift 50lbs as well as be prepared to work in various weather and environmental conditions.  Applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from a college level zoology, biology, pre-vet, wildlife, or related program.  The internship is unpaid, although housing is provided.  Intern duties include cleaning/feeding, record keeping, enrichment, diet preparation, exhibit maintenance/construction, as well as assisting during veterinary procedures and education programming.  Interns will be assigned to specific areas within the zoo.  Those areas are Children's Zoo, North Trek, Tropical Core, Commissary/Veterinary and Education.  Transportation is the responsibility of the intern.   The internship begins May 27th and lasts for 10 weeks (400 hours).  Interns will work alongside Animal Keepers and/or Educators in a 40 hour work week assisting them in all aspects of their daily activities.  Proof of a negative TB test, along with a recent tetanus vaccination is required. 

Contact Details:  Resumes with appropriate cover letters should be sent to Mike Bates, Animal Curator, Utica Zoo, 99 Steele Hill Road, Utica, NY, 13501.  Email: mike.bates@uticazoo.org.  Fax: 315-738-0475.  The cover letter should include your areas of interest, goals, and what you can offer the zoo by being an intern.