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Zoo Hosts Job Fair and Animal Birthdays

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Seasonal Job Fair

The Louisville Zoo will host a job fair on January 7 in the Zoo’s Gheens Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Zoo is seeking candidates to fill seasonal positions in various departments including Admissions, Education, Guest Services, Membership, and Rides and Attractions. Candidates will be provided training and should be outgoing, highly motivated individuals who enjoy working with the public and will provide outstanding customer service. The Zoo is looking to fill 160 positions.

The hourly rate for seasonal positions is $9. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a variable schedule that includes mostly days, but also nights and weekends from March through October. Some positions require applicants to be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. Other positions also may require CPR, AED and First Aid Certification.

In addition to working in a unique environment, seasonal Zoo employees receive free Zoo admission during employment term, discounts to the gift shop and food concessions with Zoo ID and free parking.

All other full-time and part-time vacant positions will be posted weekly on the Louisville Government website at www.louisvilleky.gov/HumanResources

Animal Birthdays

Free with admission, the Zoo will also celebrate two animal birthdays on January 7. Gorilla Helen’s 59th Birthday will be held at 11 a.m. at Gorilla Forest and polar bear Qannik’s 6th birthday will be held at noon at Glacier Run. Guests are invited to watch as these two important animal ambassadors celebrate their birthday with special enrichment gifts while guests sing “Happy Birthday”. Helen is the fourth oldest known gorilla in the North American population, wild born so her birth date is estimated. The median age for Gorillas in managed systems is 38.3. The oldest known gorilla in a managed system is Colo at the Columbus Zoo who just celebrated her 60th birthday. Polar bear Qannik was rescued from the wild after being found on Alaska’s North Slope in 2011, separated from her mother and sibling. She is a great ambassador for her species and arctic conservation. Her exact birthdate is unknown but officials from the USFWS assigned January 10 as her birthday. Each year the Zoo celebrates on the Saturday closest to that date.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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