Meet Beth Peterson


Education:
BS in biology and minor in communications from UW-River Falls

Grew up:
Oregon, WI

Job Description:
Feeds, cleans and cares for all the animals, spending time in a different area everyday.

Length of service:
4 years

Best part of the job:
Coming to work knowing that I have the ability to make the animals' days better and to provide them with great care.

Favorite animal and why:
Black and white colobus monkey named "Purple," she's very sweet, gentle, and wise.

Family:
Husband Colin, Son Austin (1 year), dog Stella, rabbit Stewie.

Free time:
movies, hiking, outdoor activities, and photography

Best time to see the animals:
Right as the zoo opens in the morning... Fewer people are around and the animals are usually just getting into their daily routine.

Best zoo memory:
Riding the camels near Lake Wingra and having Henry Vilas Zoo birthday parties when I was little.

Favorite food:
Mom's meatloaf and Colin's chicken and dumplings.

If you could tell the visitor's one thing, what would it be?
Stop, sit down and watch the animals for awhile to capture their true and natural behavior. Also, don't be afraid to ask zookeepers questions. We love and good question and love to talk about the animals that we love!