Each month you can meet one of the Zoo keepers here and find out a bit more about them. This month meet . . . Bird keeper Brenda Turner.
How long have you been a keeper?
I’ve been working at Paignton Zoo on and off since the age of 15.
After 5 years at the Zoo I moved to Australia, where I spent 7 years.
Returning to the UK, I did another 7 years at Paignton Zoo before leaving to start a family.
Once my children had grown up I came back to the Zoo – that was 6 years ago.
Why did you become a keeper?
I became a keeper because I love birds.
What is the best thing about the job?
The best thing is being out in the open air and having contact with animals.
What is the worst thing about the job?
The worst thing is all those dark mornings and evenings through the winter!
What animals do you work with at the Zoo?
Parrots and hornbills.
What is you favourite animal at the Zoo?
The northern ground hornbill
Why is Paignton Zoo so special?
It has a family atmosphere. I also love the area, especially being close to the sea and the moors. |
