Meet Jennifer Zuehlke


Education:
Bachelor degree from University of WI at Stevens Point, with a major in wildlife education and a minor in captive wildlife management.

What area of the zoo do you oversee?
I am a relief keeper, so I float around to all the areas filling in for other keepers and helping out where I am needed. I am trained to do all the areas of the zoo; however I frequent the children's zoo, aviary, and the giraffe barn (my favorite).

What is the best part of the job?
There are so many good things; it is often hard to pinpoint just one. I think the best thing for me is being able to work with an animal and learn that animal's personality. Even animals of the same species have individual traits that make them special. It is a constant reminder that though humans are intelligent, we are not the only beings on earth that think, feel and communicate.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I was very athletic in high school, and though I can't play now while I'm pregnant, I still love volleyball. I played the flute for 14 years, from 4th grade through college. It's hard to fit in time now, but I'd love to get back to playing music with a local group, like a municipal orchestra.