Alice Cooper

Zookeeper

Elephants

Since August 2003.

How did you become a zookeeper?
I went travelling after graduating from University and spent a year working in an orang utan rehabilitation centre in Malaysian Borneo. I came home and worked in the National Gallery of Ireland before taking a chance and applying for a job in Dublin Zoo!

What kind of animals do you take care of?
I started off working with the orang utans and gorillas before gaining some experience working with large carnivores. I was asked to join the elephant team when the Kaziranga trail was developed in 2006 and since then it’s been elephants, elephants, elephants!

Which are your favourite animals in the Zoo?
No contest – elephants.

Do you have any pets at home?
I have a miniature schnauzer called Mokey, who is part of the family!

Can you tell us one of your most exciting/most memorable moments in the Zoo?
I will never forget the morning that Asha arrived, the first baby Asian elephant to be born in Dublin Zoo. It was absolutely magical to witness and everyone in the team knew then that we had set out on a very special journey. I still get goose bumps remembering the atmosphere in the elephant house that morning – it was very calm and peaceful, but electrifyingly exciting too.

What do you love most about your job?
I love working outside and noticing the changing seasons, I love working with lots of different people and I love being allowed to witness our Dublin Zoo elephant family growing, developing and hopefully expanding soon!

What’s the most difficult thing about your work?
Cold, dark winter mornings!

When you’re not working in the zoo, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I spend most of my time, when I’m not in work, running around after my three year old son Turlough. But if I ever get a spare hour or two, I love horse riding, long walks and reading.