247: Why You Don’t Want to Be a Zookeeper | Malthe - AAH

In this episode, Dillon interviewed Malthe, a 24-year-old Danish zookeeper who shared his journey into zookeeping and his current role at a zoo in Hanning. Malthe discussed his education and training as a zookeeper in Denmark, which involves a combination of school and practical work experience. He described his daily responsibilities, which include cleaning enclosures, preparing animal diets, and conducting enrichment activities. Malthe also shared insights into the challenges of zookeeping, such as dealing with animal deaths and stimulating natural behaviors in captivity. He compared zookeeping practices in Denmark and North America, noting differences in how animals are displayed for visitors. The conversation covered topics such as communal enclosures, the strength and intelligence of various animals, and the importance of proper animal care. Malthe emphasized the physical demands of the job and the need for zookeepers to be prepared for the realities of working with animals in a zoo setting. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/247-zookeeping/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.instagram.com/malthe.12/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Malthe 0:00 Coming Up 00:44 Introduction 3:17 Welcome Malthe 8:52 How to become a zookeeper in Denmark? 12:06 How many zoos are in Denmark? 15:11 What reptiles do you keep at home? 17:42 Did keeping animals privately influence you? 21:02 Zookeeping courses & training 26:12 How to provide enrichment to zoo animals (Giraffes) 34:45 Zoo Med Creatures Roly Poly Kit 35:56 No days off at the zoo & latch anxiety 36:38 How much money do zookeepers make? Worst thing about zookeeping 39:22 Recording keeping 40:47 Flagship species at the zoo? 42:49 What can private keepers learn from zookeepers? 44:10 BioDude Terra Fauna & Bug Grub 45:11 Co-habbing species 47:45 What can zookeepers learn from private keepers? 49:22 What you need to know before becoming a zookeeper 51:00 Dealing with the death of an animal 52:53 How to simulate hunting for lions? 55:32 Animals at Home Merch & Patreon 56:42 Monkeys causing problems 58:49 No contact rule - dangerous giraffes 1:01:19 North America vs Europe Zookeeping 1:05:28 Winter vs Summer Zoo operation 1:07:04 Advice for future zookeepers 1:09:25 Closing Thoughts