Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
99.6K
Australian Zookeeper Shares The Behind-The-Scenes Of Running A Wildlife Park (21 Pics)
The pandemic has canceled our vacation plans, forced us back to our homes, and locked us inside for good. The only place we can travel to now is the grocery store, and depending on where you live, the local government may have placed limits on that as well. Now I’m not complaining or anything; that’s just the way life is at the moment. However, sitting within your four walls does get pretty monotonous pretty fast. So let’s take a trip, shall we?
Before you answer, let me say this—no, I’m not challenging you to a game of GeoGuessr. But I’ve got something just as immersive. Just as exhilarating.
Australian zookeeper Chad Staples, who runs an entire wildlife park, is posting photos of his wild job to his social media accounts, and it’s clear that he is koalified for the job. But the images not only introduce his everyday responsibilities. They also allow us to get to know animals we might not meet otherwise. Ever. So continue scrolling and take a look at Chad’s pics!
More info: Instagram | Facebook
RELATED:
“Such a privilege to have been present to welcome this gorgeous baby into the world, but for both mum and bub to come and interact virtually as soon as he could stand still has me lost for words”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
Chad has always loved animals but he has never imagined it was possible for him to do it as a career. He is really thankful for the chance he got straight out of high school 24 years ago and hasn’t looked back ever since.
“My career started as a casual zookeeper, then full-time for 5 years, moved into zoo education after that for 3 years, then curating species and collections from that and now I’ve been the director of one zoo for 6 years and the second for about 12 months,” Chad described his journey to Bored Panda.
“I can’t get enough of these head smooches from this beautiful boy”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
As you can probably tell, it’s a lot of work. “I manage 2 collections, one is the largest collection of Australian animals in the world at a park called Featherdale in Sydney, and the second is a collection of endangered species from all over the world about 4 hours south of Sydney called Mogo,” Chad said.
However, the man is so passionate about what he does, Chad doesn’t consider his responsibilities a job. To him, they’re pure joy. Plus, he never really knows what a new day has in store for him. “There is no typical day when you work with animals, my whole day, week, month, year, life is making sure they have everything they need.”
“Phoenix selfie”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
Mogo Wildlife Park faced serious danger a year ago when bushfires took over Australia. Then, Chad described the conditions as “apocalyptic” but felt he and staff have successfully defended the zoo because they enacted their fire defense plan. He even took several smaller animals, including red pandas and small monkeys, to his own home. Chad and his team saved every single animal.
Praising his team’s efforts, Chad said, “The smaller animals we caught and took inside. The larger, dangerous animals – big cats, gorillas – we put them into their night houses so we could protect them there.”
This is just one of the many examples, showing the lengths this man will go to for animals and their well-being.
“I believe zoos and wildlife parks are the most amazing places where animals and people have real opportunities to interact and make connections and I’m so thankful to be part of that,” Chad concluded.
“Damn, I miss these kisses”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
View this post on Instagram
“Ghost bats are such a wonderful animal and so unknown even to animal lovers. Another passion project of mine has been ultrasounding the females to track pregnancy which aside from being so interesting really helps us better plan for the births”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
View this post on Instagram
“Hopefully the cubs are coming back to see us very soon”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“It’s amazing where a Joey kangaroo will get you access to”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Thanks Chester, I needed that cuddle more than you can imagine”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Happy birthday, Archer. I can’t believe my little man is turning 6”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“That’s what a “milk drunk” wombat looks like after his bottle”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“I just love how small and insignificant you feel standing in the presence of such a spectacular animal”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“I find it hard to put into words how an encounter like this makes me feel”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Every day is full of moments like these as a zookeeper, it has never been my job but my absolute passion and privilege”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Every day the choices we make affect whether the next generation will have the opportunity to experience what we can today with the most precious animals on the planet”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Our dingo babies. I love this time of year”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“I hope this little guy never gets any bigger”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Kombai selfie time”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
“He just gets bigger by the day”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“Just the most beautiful iconic animal”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“It’s soooo cold in Sydney this morning that I had to put 2 koalas on”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
“She basically winks on cue”
Image credits: zookeeper_chad
100Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
Two Silly Pups 4 years ago
I wonder how the female bats hear the ultrasound, and whether they're like yeah, I'm pregnant, you needed a machine to find out, Chad?
Who? Me? 4 years ago
He's either a Disney Princess or Dr. Dolittle and I definitely heart it❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
Stefaan De Clerck 4 years ago
I should have learned to be a zookeeper. This really seems like a dream job to me.
Michelle Muirhead 4 years ago
Mogo Zoo In New South Wales Australia is a fantastic zoo. Once this damn Covid is under control, please visit it. During the terrible fires in 2019 all the zoo keepers there saved all the animals when the fires were encroaching on the zoo.
Jo Morris 4 years ago
I was going to say the same thing, Michelle! I used to live in Canberra and whenever we went to the coast we would visit Mogo Zoo. Back then with small kiddos it was the perfect sized zoo for looking around and we felt more immersed at that zoo than any other. The zoo team were amazing to save all the animals during the bushfires.
Load More Replies...
Margot Porter 4 years ago
That's because they are. Dingos are Australian wild dogs:)
Load More Replies...
Kevin Donegan 4 years ago
Loved this post! Thank you. It was shocking to see how large the rhino was standing next to him. Massive!
Barannya Kakoty 4 years ago
Goddamn it... Am moving countries and gonna be a zookeeper and have a peaceful life.
Luther von Wolfen 4 years ago
I'm not a huge fan of zoos in general, but this post is really cute.
Patti Vance 4 years ago
i worked at a zoo while in college. got a chance to interact with so many different animals. and, he is right - it is humbling. my fave were the elephants as they were so social and they have to accept you in order to work safely with them.
Kendra Miller 4 years ago
I have questions, I read in the comments that this is a great zoo. But I was under the impression that it's not healthy for Koalas to be carried and that is actually a problem in tourist attraction zoos. I also thought it was a best practice to be as hands off as possible when raising baby animals such as lion cubs, so they don't think they are little humans but grow up to be proper individuals of their species. So in that context, is this actually a good post? It's very cute yes, but I want to know if it's morally wrong.
Dippin Dot 4 years ago
that's it. I'm quitting my job and becoming a zookeeper. Seriously, I have missed going to the zoo. The nearest one is 90 miles away and I would make special trips to go there for a few hours. But with covid I haven't been able to get there because of their limited hours and needing to make a reservation first. :(
Bored Little Panda 4 years ago
Definitely one of the best jobs, I hope I could do stuff like this one day.
Biljana Malesevic 4 years ago
So sweet. I love animals, we should help them as much as we can, they deserve it.
Johanna-Nicollette Kidd 4 years ago
The animals are ceryainly amazing but Chad is pretty wonderful too! Its great to see such love for animals
FABIHA MONIR PRATHAMA 4 years ago
oh i would love more posts like this one.how i wish i could make friends with all animals. this post made my day brighter
The Monky Legend 4 years ago
This is a perfect example of the life of a loving zookeeper! Wait that’s what he is but like the new dr.Dolittle movie kinda like it
ComfyPanda 4 years ago
Pretty sure I need a wombat...or a koala cuddle. Those look really awesome!!!
Rissie 4 years ago
They're well fed and aren't stupid. The only reason a big cat would attack if it was to play and they would not hurt the hand that feeds them. And he clearly has a great connection. No really, better worry about human instincts then a well cared for zoo animal.
Load More Replies...
Bernie M 3 years ago
Chad I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting all the gorgeous animals in your pictures yet but I just want to say even tho I have never met you yet I’ve read some of the stories about what great lengths you went to to help save these animals amid the bushfires you and your army of staff and I just want to say you are a hero and same with the Rest of your staff you are the ultimate animal worrier and i can’t wait to visit one day soon your a legend mate best regards Bernie.
TexasWoman 3 years ago
I'm so jealous! I also wanna thank the guy for taking such good care of the animals like they're his own children......thank you, Sir!
Christina Uhlir 3 years ago
Why are those beautiful animals massacred in the wild? Why do we allow trophy hunting, poaching, destruction of natural world by the meat and dairy industries and "developers"?? Who is responsible for those atrocities and plunder? I think you know the answer. The less wild places untouched by inhuman civilization there will be in the world, the more deadly viruses will be among us.
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
These photos are so precious. I would love to work in a zoo or a wildlife center to help care for all the beautiful animals
Chris Watson 4 years ago
So..... he’s the only one working there? Or is he launching a new career?
Paulina 4 years ago
While this isa very cute post, I have a concern: at my local Zoo it's emphasized that animals should be kept with the least amount of human contact as possible. That's to preserve their wild nature, I'm told. Some species don't even see their handlers for feeding - they're in separate enclosure when their meals are brought in - especially big cats. So my question is: what's happening here? Is this a "petting zoo" where animals are kept and bred for human entertainment? Because I was under the impression that modern, best-for-animals zoos are preserving species and taking care of animals that wouldn't survive in the wild otherwise...
Two Silly Pups 4 years ago
I wonder how the female bats hear the ultrasound, and whether they're like yeah, I'm pregnant, you needed a machine to find out, Chad?
Who? Me? 4 years ago
He's either a Disney Princess or Dr. Dolittle and I definitely heart it❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
Stefaan De Clerck 4 years ago
I should have learned to be a zookeeper. This really seems like a dream job to me.
Michelle Muirhead 4 years ago
Mogo Zoo In New South Wales Australia is a fantastic zoo. Once this damn Covid is under control, please visit it. During the terrible fires in 2019 all the zoo keepers there saved all the animals when the fires were encroaching on the zoo.
Jo Morris 4 years ago
I was going to say the same thing, Michelle! I used to live in Canberra and whenever we went to the coast we would visit Mogo Zoo. Back then with small kiddos it was the perfect sized zoo for looking around and we felt more immersed at that zoo than any other. The zoo team were amazing to save all the animals during the bushfires.
Load More Replies... Margot Porter 4 years ago
That's because they are. Dingos are Australian wild dogs:)
Load More Replies... Kevin Donegan 4 years ago
Loved this post! Thank you. It was shocking to see how large the rhino was standing next to him. Massive!
Barannya Kakoty 4 years ago
Goddamn it... Am moving countries and gonna be a zookeeper and have a peaceful life.
Luther von Wolfen 4 years ago
I'm not a huge fan of zoos in general, but this post is really cute.
Patti Vance 4 years ago
i worked at a zoo while in college. got a chance to interact with so many different animals. and, he is right - it is humbling. my fave were the elephants as they were so social and they have to accept you in order to work safely with them.
Kendra Miller 4 years ago
I have questions, I read in the comments that this is a great zoo. But I was under the impression that it's not healthy for Koalas to be carried and that is actually a problem in tourist attraction zoos. I also thought it was a best practice to be as hands off as possible when raising baby animals such as lion cubs, so they don't think they are little humans but grow up to be proper individuals of their species. So in that context, is this actually a good post? It's very cute yes, but I want to know if it's morally wrong.
Dippin Dot 4 years ago
that's it. I'm quitting my job and becoming a zookeeper. Seriously, I have missed going to the zoo. The nearest one is 90 miles away and I would make special trips to go there for a few hours. But with covid I haven't been able to get there because of their limited hours and needing to make a reservation first. :(
Bored Little Panda 4 years ago
Definitely one of the best jobs, I hope I could do stuff like this one day.
Biljana Malesevic 4 years ago
So sweet. I love animals, we should help them as much as we can, they deserve it.
Johanna-Nicollette Kidd 4 years ago
The animals are ceryainly amazing but Chad is pretty wonderful too! Its great to see such love for animals
FABIHA MONIR PRATHAMA 4 years ago
oh i would love more posts like this one.how i wish i could make friends with all animals. this post made my day brighter
The Monky Legend 4 years ago
This is a perfect example of the life of a loving zookeeper! Wait that’s what he is but like the new dr.Dolittle movie kinda like it
ComfyPanda 4 years ago
Pretty sure I need a wombat...or a koala cuddle. Those look really awesome!!!
Rissie 4 years ago
They're well fed and aren't stupid. The only reason a big cat would attack if it was to play and they would not hurt the hand that feeds them. And he clearly has a great connection. No really, better worry about human instincts then a well cared for zoo animal.
Load More Replies... Bernie M 3 years ago
Chad I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting all the gorgeous animals in your pictures yet but I just want to say even tho I have never met you yet I’ve read some of the stories about what great lengths you went to to help save these animals amid the bushfires you and your army of staff and I just want to say you are a hero and same with the Rest of your staff you are the ultimate animal worrier and i can’t wait to visit one day soon your a legend mate best regards Bernie.
TexasWoman 3 years ago
I'm so jealous! I also wanna thank the guy for taking such good care of the animals like they're his own children......thank you, Sir!
Christina Uhlir 3 years ago
Why are those beautiful animals massacred in the wild? Why do we allow trophy hunting, poaching, destruction of natural world by the meat and dairy industries and "developers"?? Who is responsible for those atrocities and plunder? I think you know the answer. The less wild places untouched by inhuman civilization there will be in the world, the more deadly viruses will be among us.
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
These photos are so precious. I would love to work in a zoo or a wildlife center to help care for all the beautiful animals
Chris Watson 4 years ago
So..... he’s the only one working there? Or is he launching a new career?
Paulina 4 years ago
While this isa very cute post, I have a concern: at my local Zoo it's emphasized that animals should be kept with the least amount of human contact as possible. That's to preserve their wild nature, I'm told. Some species don't even see their handlers for feeding - they're in separate enclosure when their meals are brought in - especially big cats. So my question is: what's happening here? Is this a "petting zoo" where animals are kept and bred for human entertainment? Because I was under the impression that modern, best-for-animals zoos are preserving species and taking care of animals that wouldn't survive in the wild otherwise...
Related on Bored Panda
505
67