[Columbia, SC] - Whether their motivation is fun, dedication to animal welfare or a life-long passion, all of the zoo keepers at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden have a special place in their heart for the zoological profession and the animals that they care for day in and day out. Starting today, Riverbanks will honor the keeper staff for their hard work and dedication with a week-long celebration.

“Riverbanks' keeper staff is highly educated, well-trained and extremely passionate about their work,” said Ed Diebold, director of animal collections and conservation. “Zoo keepers work hard every day of the year to ensure that all of our animals' physical and psychological needs are met.” Even as Diebold reflects back on his 28 year zoological career, his fondest memories are from the days that he spent as a zoo keeper.

The passion for the profession usually starts at a young age. From research conversationalists to zoologists to veterinarians, young adults come to Riverbanks to follow their life-long dreams. Many of these individuals begin their career working during the summer as interns or volunteers to get a once in a lifetime chance to experience hands-on care of exotic animals, experience the zoological profession and pursue their dreams.

When asked what they are most passionate about in their career, it is common to hear that the welfare of the animals ranks the highest. Zoo keepers continuously strive to enhance and stimulate the animals’ environments. It is also frequently mentioned that growing the profession and teaching those who are just starting out the fundamentals of day-to-day management and care of the animals is extremely important as well.

“In addition to delivering superb animal care, keepers are involved with population management on the national and international level; they participate in conservation and research initiatives, relate conservation education messages to our guests and routinely interact with guests to ensure they enjoy an outstanding recreational experience at each visit to Riverbanks,” said Diebold.

Zoo keepers have dedicated their lives to animals in human care and to being advocates of their wild counterparts and their habitats in nature. In appreciation, Riverbanks will honor the keepers throughout the week with daily surprises brought to them by staff members along with their individual supervisors.

"It is my pleasure to honor our keepers during Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week,” said Diebold. “I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for their outstanding dedication.”