Meet the Zookeepers

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Meet Maxine the Zookeeper

MAXINE AND CRUMPY THE CAPUCHIN

A zoo keeper feeding a capuchin monkey at Brooklands Zoo.

Find out more about our zoo keepers

You can meet one of the Brooklands Zoo’s keepers here and find out a bit more about them and the work they do at the zoo.

Introducing: Maxine

How long have you been a keeper?

I have been a keeper at Brooklands Zoo since early 2009. Before that I worked at Auckland Zoo for a year as a part time keeper.

Why did you become a keeper?

I’d always wanted to be a zoo keeper and have worked towards it for years. People often stop and tell me what a wonderful job I must have and I always agree with them.

What is the best thing about the job?

Getting to know the animals. They all have different personalities, some can be very loving, some can be very cheeky, some just want to push the boundaries. Gaining their trust is amazing.

What is the worst thing about the job?

Having to work in all weather can be a bit of a challenge. Sometimes in winter you can be chipping ice off drinkers and in summer the heat can be pretty unbearable.

What animals do you work with at the Zoo?

I’m lucky enough to be a rotating keeper which means I get to work with all the animals at the zoo regularly.

What is your favourite animal at the Zoo?

People laugh at me but I love the guinea fowl. They’re just so crazy - both to look at and personality wise too.

Why is Brooklands Zoo so special?

It’s a small zoo so you can get to know your team mates well. Also we have to do a lot of things ourselves that you wouldn’t do in a larger zoo, like browse collecting and maintenance, so we learn lots of new skills.