EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Zookeepers Jordyn and Yvian joined Mike Martinez and Tricia Martinez on Second Cup on KTSM+ for National Zookeeper Week.

Officials from the El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens said they celebrated the professionals who make exceptional animal care possible.

Every day, these animal care professionals work behind the scenes to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the Zoo’s more than 220 animal species while also inspiring guests through education and supporting global conservation efforts, zoo officials said.

Jordyn and Yvian explained to Mike and Tricia how they hand-raise the penguin chicks.

“We pull the chicks from their parents after a few weeks so they build a bond with us,” Yvian said. “We provide food, medical care, and scratches, and that gives us a relationship and a bond with the penguins.”

Yvian said she has been with the El Paso Zoo since she was 18 years old, and Jordyn studied zoology before getting her job at the El Paso Zoo, working with the African animals.

From preparing specialized diets and providing enrichment activities to maintaining habitats and monitoring animal health, zoo keepers play an essential role in caring for wildlife.

Their work extends beyond daily care by helping visitors connect with animals and understand the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats, officials said.

“Zoo keepers are the heart of our Zoo,” said El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director Gary Lunsford. “Their dedication, compassion, and expertise ensure our animals receive outstanding care every day. They also inspire our guests to become advocates for wildlife and conservation. National Zoo Keeper Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize these incredible professionals for all they do.”

For more information about the El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit the zoo’s website www.ElPasoZoo.org or follow the zoo on social media.

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