How did you become a zookeeper?
As a young teenager I began as a volunteer, giving the
keepers a hand in the city farm area and began working
on the pony and trap as a driver going around the zoo
with the public. I then got a position as a keeper and
worked my way up through the years to become a team leader.
How long have you been working in Dublin
Zoo?
25 years
What kind of animals do you take care of?
Reptiles, Birds, Sealions and city farm
Which are your favourite animals in the Zoo?
Reptiles and Sealions.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have a dog and a cat.
Can you tell us about one of your most memorable
moments in the Zoo?
Recently a seal pup was born called Flo, but unfortunately
her mother died suddenly of a heart problem before she
had been weaned. She was unable to eat fish herself so
we worked extremely hard as a team, teaching her to fend
for herself and eat the fish. It was a slow but worthwhile
process and it’s fantastic to see her now with the
rest of the sea lions.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that every day is different, the fantastic and
unusual experiences that come with the job and having
the ability to share these with the public.
What’s the most difficult thing about
your work?
I find it difficult when an animal passes away after you’ve
worked with and cared for them for years.
When you’re not working in the zoo,
what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I love all kinds of sports, particularly scuba diving.