Karen Rotherham

What animals do you work with?

I work with Asian carnivores including Sumatran Tigers, Sun Bears and Red Panda.  I also work with the animals in our African Savannah - lions, painted dogs, hyenas, meerkats, cheetah, Hamadryas Baboons, giraffe, rhinoceros and zebra.

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

I have been a keeper for 15 years

How did you get into zookeeping as a profession?

I started out working with animals in various jobs, then did volunteer work at a wildlife park which lead to a permanent zookeeping position.

What do you love most about your job?

The privilege to work with these beautiful, rare and endangered animals. To share my passion with others, and to hopefully make a difference to the plight of these species in their natural habitats.

What has been the wildest moment of your career so far?

The joy that is the birth of another animal, whether that is a tiger, bear or red panda they are always special and very exciting.