KEEPER FEATURE: SUSAN PETRUNIO

Where are you from originally?

Houston, Texas

Where did you work before the

Memphis Zoo? I worked at Zoo Knoxville with white rhinos (including the two that now live here), black bears, river otters and Chacoan peccaries … among other species! And before that I worked at a newspaper in Alabama.

What department do you work in? I am a keeper in the CHINA department

How long have you been a

zookeeper? I’ve been a keeper since 2009, but I started working in zoos as a seasonal in education in 2008.

Have you always wanted to work

with animals? When I was younger, I was going to be a veterinarian. But then once I hit college, I realized that you need to love science as much as you love animals to be a good one. And there was one science I did not love that stood in my way … organic chemistry! So I searched for an animal career that didn’t require it. Which is how I ended up with a degree in Wildlife Science. And then followed that up with a degree in journalism. My plan was to one day combine the two degrees into one amazing job. I’m still waiting for National Geographic to call me out of the blue and just offer me a job!

What is your favorite species to work with

at the zoo? The Sulawesi crested black macaques are my favorite animal to work with by far. Anyone who knows me knows I’m the crazy macaque lady. They’re wicked smart and very funny. And it’s fascinating to watch their troop dynamics. I’ve learned so much about primate behavior because of them. We are also the only zoo in the country to have a full troop on exhibit. They’re one of the rarest animals in US zoos.

What do you like to do in your free time? I watch a lot of Netflix and listen to true crime podcasts! My husband and I also love to eat so we explore the amazing Memphis food scene.

Do you have any pets? An itty pittie, two snakes and two leopard geckos.

What is your advice for anyone that wants

to be a zookeeper? Lots of keepers start out doing multiple unpaid internships before they ever get their first paying job and full-time jobs are in high demand. Get as much experience as you can as soon as you can! Also know that this job is incredibly demanding and it’s hard … both physically and emotionally. But it’s also incredibly rewarding and we get to experience things that only a handful of other people do! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life.