Meet Amy Schilz


Hometown: Greendale, Wisconsin
Residence: Madison, Wisconsin
Family: Mom, Dad, an older brother (Adam), and a younger sister (Arica).
Pets: Corky. He is my main man. He's also the prettiest, naughtiest cat in the world.
Education: I went to UW Stevens Point and graduated in May of 2004. I have a B.S. in both Wildlife Management and Biology, and a minor in Captive Wildlife. My first internship in college was at the Henry Vilas Zoo!

What area of the Henry Vilas Zoo do you oversee?
Each area at the zoo has one main person in charge of it. Those people work with their specific animals. I am a relief keeper, which means that I fill in for the main keepers on their off days. So, basically, I oversee everything! I really like being a relief keeper. I get to see different animals everyday, and I've learned a lot about species that I hadn't ever worked with before.

What does your day consist of?
Because I don't have a specific "area", each day for me is different. Some things, however, are a part of my day no matter what. Like, say, cleaning up poop. That happens everyday, in every area. Also, in each area, the animals have to get fed. I make diets, check for injuries, clean stalls, and check locks. I also try to provide enrichment (things for the animals to do).

What is the best part of your day?
There are little moments, each day, that make this job awesome. I have so many examples! The other day, Jabari (the small giraffe) decided to lick my head while I was putting a hose away. It made me laugh so hard that my stomach hurt. Yesterday, the grizzly bears tapped open a window and watched me work. That made me smile. And today, I got to help some UW professors with a project that will hopefully help conserve wild animals. That was inspiring.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome in your job with an animal(s)?
What happens when an animal you oversee gets sick? I usually call my supervisor, Jeff. He calls the vet, and we get the animal feeling better. Sometimes it's tricky to get the animals to take their medicine, but hiding it in their food generally works.

What is your favorite food?
Chocolate chip cookies. I could eat a hundred of them and not get sick. Actually, I've probably done that on numerous occasions.

What is your favorite sport?
I am horrible at sports. I was always picked last in gym class, and cannot play a single one (I can't even bowl). I can't watch sports on T.V., either. I turn into everyone's crazy uncle…..I yell, scream, and pound my fists. Therefore, I didn't watch a single Packer game this year. I do, however, enjoy tailgating at Brewer games…..does that count?

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can hoot like an owl.

What is your favorite Halloween costume?
Not to brag, but I am an excellent Halloween Costume designer. I've gone as The Lunch Lady, Steve Irwin, a frog, and a cowgirl riding a chicken.

Best piece of advice received lately?
My friend sent me the quote "Some people grin and bear it, other people smile and change it." That quote fits in to so many aspects of my life.

Favorite Book?
The Poisonwood Bible. I also liked What is the What.

Favorite Charity?
A shout out to Heifer International! I give most of my Christmas gifts through them. People are animals, too.

Favorite Spot in the Zoo?
My favorite spot is located right when you walk into the zookeeper part of the giraffe barn. There is a really warm heating vent, and it is my saviour on these cold days.

Preferences:

Panda Bear vs. Red Panda Bear? Too hard, I love them both.

Boa vs. Anaconda? Neither. I'm sorry. I'm glad they're both here on Earth, but if I ever found one in my living room I would freak out.

Flamingo vs. McCaw? Macaw. I love them, especially greenwings. They were some of the first animals I've ever trained. They are so intelligent, and the relationships that can form between a trainer and a macaw are phenomenal.

Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear-Again, too hard. I could never choose between Mischka and my Grizzy girls. I love all of the animals here, but the bears are by far my favorites.