zookeeper

[ zoo-kee-per ]

noun

1. a person who feeds and tends animals in a zoo.

Other Words From

• zookeeping noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of zookeeper¹

First recorded in 1920–25; zoo + keeper

Example Sentences

"He is such a lovely animal. He is unique. I've been a zookeeper for 15 years and there is no one else like him," he said.

From BBC

A zookeeper has been mauled to death by a lion in south-western Nigeria after he failed to secure the locks on its enclosure when he went to feed it, police say.

From BBC

According to a statement from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the zookeeper had taken some guests to see the lion's feeding routine after hours on Saturday evening.

From BBC

It comes less than a year after another zookeeper was attacked and killed by a lion at the Obafemi Awolowo University, also in south-western Nigeria.

From BBC

Just for the costume and water sprays alone, it’s tempting to give the award this week to Yang’s hilarious portrayal of the famed baby hippo Moo Deng, but Walker as embattled New York City mayor Eric Adams had a lot more meat on the bones than, say, a zookeeper’s ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• administrator
• boss
• controller
• director
• executive
• officer
• official
• organizer
• producer
• superintendent
• supervisor