Adam Guenther
Mission Statement
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 The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an
appreciation of the natural world
through conservation, education and recreation.
 The Blank Park Zoo is the largest and only AZA
accredited zoo in Iowa and their purpose is to help
Iowans appreciate animals of all kinds to help
promote conservationism of animals we have both in
Iowa and abroad, and to educate about the issues
they have.
History
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 Des Moines, Iowa
 On the Former Fort Des Moines Land
 Opened in 1966 as the Des Moines Children’s Zoo
 Reopened after renovation in 1986 from closing in
1982
 Accredited in 1987 by the Association o Zoos and
Aquariums.
 Over 1500 animals in over 200 species
Competitors
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 Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, IL
 Henry Doorley Zoo, Omaha, NE
 Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, IA
 Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
Business Environment
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 Blank Park Zoo recently split from the City of Des
Moines
 Recently reorganized in to Areas
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Reptiles and Birds
Aquatics
Small Mammals
Large Mammals
Vet Care and Animal Behavior
Job Description

 Intern for the Reptiles and Birds Department
 Cleaning and Sanitizing Exhibits
 Preparation of Diets
 Enrichment Activity
 Supervisor: Jenni Dyar, Department Head
 Keepers: John, Megan, Shannon, Jessica
Application
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 Went online to the website: http://www.blankparkzoo.com/
 Applied under Job Openings, printed the application off and
sent back with Resume.
 Had a phone interview in March with my Supervisor Jenni
 Initial Expectations
 Clean cages, Watch animals and interact with the public
 Learned and Professional Development
 Worked with Public, other departments, HS Volunteers
 Nutrition, Conservation, Team Building, Conflict Resolution
 Protocol, Organization and Safety
Questions
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