National Zookeeper Week runs July 18–24, 2027, a thank-you to the people who care for zoo animals every day of the year. Zoos put keepers in the spotlight.
Starting the Third Sunday of July
Every year, beginning on the third Sunday of July and ending six days later on Saturday. The American Association of Zoo Keepers runs it. Known as AAZK, the group has posted dates through 2029.
In 2026 it ran July 19 to 25. The 2027 week is set for July 18 to 24, and 2028 for July 16 to 22. By 2029 it will fall on July 15 to 21, the earliest possible span.
No law sets the dates. Zoos and local AAZK chapters plan the events, and the Sunday start keeps the week easy to predict.
How the Week Began
The first National Zoo Keeper Week ran July 15 to 21, 2007, according to a House resolution submitted that June.
Representative Susan Davis of California introduced it on June 21, 2007, with 24 cosponsors. It expressed support for the goals of the week.
AAZK is much older than the week. Keepers formed it in San Diego in 1967, with professional education as its first focus.
Membership now stands at about 2,800 people. They come from 48 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 24 other countries.
Its rhino fundraiser predates the week by years. Bowling for Rhinos has raised $9.35 million since 1990, with all proceeds going to conservation.
What Keepers Do
Keepers do far more than clean and feed. AAZK describes them as educators and wildlife ambassadors as well as caretakers.
Training is serious. Most zoos require a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science or a related field, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes.
Pay is modest. Animal care and service workers, a group that includes zookeepers, earned a median $35,530 a year in 2025.
Demand is rising. BLS expects jobs in that broader group to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
About 413,000 people held those jobs in 2025. Most worked outside zoos, in places like kennels and shelters.
Caretakers make up most of that group, about 365,300 jobs, with animal trainers adding roughly 47,800. The median hourly wage was $17.08.
AAZK’s reach is wide. Its members work at nearly 250 animal-related facilities, and its 2026 planning packet helped zoos plan events and fundraisers for the week.
Conservation is part of the job too. In 2025 alone, AAZK’s bowling events raised $262,000 for rhino habitat programs in Asia and Africa.
Ways to Thank a Keeper
Zoos often hold keeper talks and behind-the-scenes events during the week. Check your local zoo’s calendar first.
Fundraising is another way in. Every dollar from Bowling for Rhinos goes straight to conservation programs.
Students can get a head start, too. Science classes help, since most zoos want a degree in biology or animal science. So does volunteer work with animals.
- Attend a keeper talk and ask about a favorite animal’s daily routine.
- Leave a thank-you note at the zoo’s guest services desk.
- Join a Bowling for Rhinos event if your local AAZK chapter hosts one.
- Donate to a zoo’s conservation fund or wish list.
- Share a photo of a keeper at work, with the zoo’s permission, and tag it.
- Encourage a student who loves animals to look into biology or animal science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it spelled zookeeper or zoo keeper?
Both appear. AAZK uses “Zoo Keeper” in the week’s official name.
Do I need a degree to become a zookeeper?
Usually, yes, plus hands-on experience with animals.
Who organizes the week?
A professional association of animal keepers, with chapters at many zoos.