Did you know most people in life have an interest or a passion to be something when they grow up but never pursue that passion? Most kids are never encouraged to pursue their dreams, for whatever reason. Or they pursue a passion and then realize they don’t actually enjoy what they think they want to do when they are younger.
Jenny Theuman is a perfect example. She never imagined she’d be a zookeeper. In fact, right out of high school, Jenny spent the early years of her education pursuing culinary arts, but cooking just didn’t inspire her. When a college counselor suggested zookeeping, she was instantly intrigued. She did an internship at the zoo and fell in love with it.
Now, 13 years later, Jenny’s grateful to have found her dream job. While zookeeping is hard work—and constant action—Jenny’s passion for her profession has only increased over the years. “I’ve been excited every day,” she says. Her dedication is strong as ever: “They’re living, breathing animals,” she says with a smile. “They need you to stick around and finish what you’ve started.”
Jenny never even knew zookeeping was a job when she was younger. Jenny believes it was a “right place at the right time” situation. She mentioned she liked animals, and an advisor proposed zookeeping as a career option. Thirteen years later, she’s excited every day to go to work—now that’s a passion.
People sometimes ask her, “Don’t you just shovel poop?” Um, not quite. Watch this video to learn more about what Jenny does and what it takes to be a zookeeper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ5S9a0DoxM
Jenny received her master’s in zoo administration through a partnership program with Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Breaking into to the field can be challenging; it’s very competitive, but Cosley Zoo cannot think of anyone more passionate and articulate than Jenny. “She is the epitome of a dedicated worker. This is a way of life for her and not a job.”
“1 in one hundred million” is a website devoted to sharing the personal stories of people who do the many important and too-often unrecognized jobs upon which we all rely. Check out the site and subscribe if you like what you see. From their very first days, Kronos solutions has always focused on the work that people do. That’s why they’re proud to celebrate these special individuals who reflect the character, the commitment, and the passion of today’s workforce.
“1 in one hundred million” website has a whole series of videos highlighting people in various professions from Justina Pratt who is a Safe Start Swimming Instructor at the YMCA, Lake Nona, FL, in Episode 10 to Jenny Theuman, a zookeeper at the Cosley Zoo in Episode 14.
A day on the job for a zookeeper? Eating, cleaning, training, enrichment, repeat! The day is over until everything is finished. Jenny often unintentionally monopolizes conversations of responses when she says she is a zookeeper. People are surprised about the science involved in her job and want to learn more about things like conservation and recovery efforts. The experience with the animals at the zoo can have an emotional impact on people, as well. They make a connection, and then share their experiences back with Jenny, which is exciting an emotional.
One of her favorite part of the job is that Jenny is never finished learning; there is always an opportunity to learn more. According to Jenny, in order to be a good zookeeper you need a sense of humor, to be a good problem solver, to want to learn, and to own good pair of boots.
- Finding Calm in the City That Never Sleeps - September 24, 2025
- Different Reasons to Consider Using a Therapist in New York - March 12, 2025
- Is a Micro Wedding the Dream You Didn’t Know You Had? - February 14, 2025
Leave a Reply