American Association of Zoo Keepers
Greater Sacramento Chapter
AAZK is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. AAZK’s purpose is to foster a professional attitude in animal keepers and aquarists by encouraging them to become active members of professional teams at today’s zoos and aquariums. AAZK supports the promotion and implementation of zookeeper education and strives to make the general public aware of our concern for all deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and the species that depend on those resources.
Mission Statement
Greater Sac AAZK is a chartered member in good standing of American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Our purpose shall be to educate and assist zoological personnel in their roles as animal caretakers, public educators, scientific researchers, wildlife conservationists and to promote our zoological institution as a cultural establishment, dedicated to the enrichment of human and natural resources.
We will support and publicize our concern for deserving conservation projects and do our part in educating the general public to the need for preserving our natural resources and animal life. We will promote public education on the topics of zoos and related animal care facilities as well as promote and establish good relationships amongst professional zoo keepers. We strive to establish a means to stimulate incentive and create greater interest in sound captive animal management through the zoo keeping profession; and to promote projects and programs that will strengthen the professional zookeeper’s knowledge.
Officers
President: Celina Barbero, Keeper
Vice President: Matt Cline, Keeper
Treasurer: Kelsey Oshimo, Keeper
Secretary: Jessica Khuu, Keeper
You’ve seen them flock on TV. You’ve seen them flock at the Sacramento Zoo. Now you can see them flock to your neighbor’s front lawn! Sacramento’s chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (Greater Sac AAZK) is helping a flock of bright pink, plastic flamingos move along their migratory path through the greater Sacramento area, and you can choose which residences they stop at! Surprise your friends, relatives, or neighbors with a bright flock of flamingos covering their lawn. Flocking someone makes every occasion humorous and special, and it can turn an ordinary day into something a little bit more whimsical.
Here’s How it Works
For a $40 donation, the migration management team will release a flock of plastic flamingos onto the lawn of your intended recipient. These flamingos migrate under the cover of darkness, meaning they will go unnoticed at their current roost until morning. They will typically roost for 48 hours and then, with the assistance of Sacramento zookeepers, continue along their migratory route. A large greeting sign along with a personalized message from you will accompany the flock. The recipients will also receive an explanation of the flocking, care instructions, flamingo facts, and the number to the plastic animal control hotline.
To find out more information about this festive fundraiser and how to schedule your flock, email GreaterSacAAZK@gmail.com.
AAZK Events
AAZK hosts events throughout the year at the Sacramento Zoo as well as in other locations. These fun events not only generate funds for worthy organizations, they raise awareness of conservation efforts in Sacramento and around world, inspiring kids and adults to get involved!
9 am to 3 pm, At the Sacramento Zoo
Help us celebrate International Migratory Bird Day!Ever wonder why some birds fly south for the winter? Come join us and celebrate the 350 species of North American birds that migrate between their breeding grounds and wintering grounds every year! Have fun learning about this amazing migration including where the birds stop in between their destinations, and how you can play a part in their journey. Stop by our table at the lake at the front of the zoo and enjoy free arts and crafts, hands-on activities, games, and prizes while learning all about bird migration. You won’t want to miss this year’s International Migratory Bird Day!
Visit the CELEBRATE! All About Birds webpage.
At the Sacramento Zoo
Are you a Sacramento Zoo member? Join us for the Member Evening, which is just for you! AAZK is hosting an enrichment fair that night, where you have the chance to play an active role in the enrichment of our zoo animals. Purchase pre-made enrichments from zookeepers and watch as the animal enjoys it on the spot! Keepers will also be on hand to answer any of those animal questions you have just been dying to ask. Proceeds benefit Greater Sac AAZK.
At the Sacramento Zoo
Help us celebrate World Giraffe Day! Did you know there are four distinct species and 5 subspecies of giraffe in the world? Or that giraffes can run up to 37 mph? Join us (and the zoo’s giraffe family) to celebrate the world’s tallest land mammal! Stop by the giraffe exhibit for crafts, games, and raffle prizes and learn about the conservation being done to help protect these increasingly endangered animals. All proceeds benefit giraffe conservation.
Visit the CELEBRATE! Giraffe Day webpage.
In Land Park
We are partnering with Wildlife Care Association (WCA) in a truly unique fundraising experience. Each year WCA rehabilitates thousands of animals, releasing them back to the wild after their recovery. Come witness this spectacular release of rehabilitated owls as they take flight and continue their wild lives. To reserve a spot for $10 email Lori Tierney. Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Care Association.
10 am to 4 pm, at the Sacramento Zoo
Help us celebrate International Red Panda Day! Join us for an interactive and educational event about red panda awareness and conservation. Kids (and adults too!) can become “Red Panda Rangers” after stopping at the various red panda stations and completing the panda activities. Other stations include face painting and an opportunity to decorate your own flag that will be added to the ones currently surrounding the red panda exhibit. Come by and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win your favorite red panda themed artwork, décor, and other keepsakes. All proceeds benefit The Red Panda Network (RPN), a conservation group working directly with community-based organizations in Nepal.
Visit the CELEBRATE! Red Panda Day webpage.
9 AM TO 4 PM, At the Sacramento Zoo
Help us celebrate World Lemur Day! Did you know that lemurs are only found on the island of Madagascar and are the most endangered mammals in the world? If habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade continue at their current rates, 90 percent of the 100+ lemur species face extinction in the next twenty years.
Join us for an interactive and educational event developed to raise awareness about lemur conservation. Stop by the three lemur exhibits to enjoy crafts (including making enrichment for the lemurs), games, hands-on activities, a photo booth, prizes, and more while learning about lemurs and how you can help save them from extinction.
Don’t miss our special World Lemur Day keeper chats:
11:15 AM – Coquerel’s sifaka exhibit
12:30 PM – Black and white ruffed lemur exhibit
1:45 PM – Mongoose lemur exhibit
*Keep an eye out throughout the day for special enrichment that will be placed in the lemur exhibits.
100 percent of proceeds benefit Lemur Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art.
Visit the CELEBRATE! Lemur Day webpage.
11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Sacramento Zoo
Celebrate the holiday season with homemade fresh and burlap wreaths in addition to ornaments painted by the zoo animals! We will be inside the front of the zoo on December weekeneds selling beautiful wreaths and ornaments for your home. While supplies last. Proceeds benefit Greater Sac AAZK animal conservation efforts.
