Visit The zoo

Tiger working with Senior Trainer, Debbie Wyche on Summer Program

Veterinarians, Dr. McConnell & Dr. Schmidt, inspects a recently rescued Black Bear Cub

Zoo guest gets up-close and personal with one of the cats

This Puma is enjoying a Pumpkin filled with raw meat

Students show off their handy work at pumpkin carving.

These will be used for enrichment for the animals at an annual event on Halloween called "Boo at the Zoo"

The animals receive fresh water throughout the day.

Tons of straw are used during the winter months to insure every animal has a nice warm bed.

A continuous task, but necessary, is keeping the zoo grounds free of trash.

Here, students grab the "treat bucket" which is a small cooler containing fresh raw meat. These treats are helpful in shifting animals to different areas during the morning cleaning process.

Teamwork is vital in Zookeeping. It not only expedites the work but, more importantly, promotes a safer working environment.

The keeper always double checks the gate to insure the animal is secure in their home.

Here an instructor prepares to allow a Tiger back into his area after the students have cleaned it thoroughly.

This cleaning cart is ready to be emptied after the morning chores. Everything will be refreshed and the empty food dished will be washed and sterilized for feeding time later in the day.

Finishing up one area and moving on to finish before opening time.

One student checks the feces picked up by his fellow classmate looking for any parasites or unusual issues. Every animals fecal discharge is recorded in their health chart after their area is cleaned.

Two recently orphaned baby Pumas just arrive from the Washington State Wildlife Department.

Grads celebrating with their classmates after Dinner festivities at the party held after hours at the zoo.

Tennis Pro, Jan-Michael Gambill stops in for a special time with one of the White Tigers before leaving for another tournament.

One of the Zoo's major supporters, Mrs. Brown enjoys some special one-on-one time with Apollo, a Royal White Bengal Tiger.

Dr. Sande inspects a newly arrived Deer Fawn while her own children look on. These young ladies are already starting to follow in their mother's footsteps.

Animal Trainer, Kevin Keith, prepares one of his animals for an up-coming Movie shoot at the Zoo.

Taking a morning stroll, "Lbs" (short for the "Pound" where he was adopted) has been the top guard dog at the Zoo since he arrived over 12 years ago. He still spends his days next to his best friend, a lion named Jambo, and then "goes on duty" after the Zoo closes for the day.

A Leopard, named Nagil, takes an afternoon nap.

Thunder, an Asian Leopard, loves to hug her log during a rest from playing.

Senior staff monitor the vital signs while the veterinarian prepares to begin a surgical procedure on a Leopard.

Zoo Staff preparing to draw a blood sample as lion has surgery.

Curator, Mike Wyche, receives a welcome hug from one of the Royal White Bengal Tigers at the end of the day.

Meet Snickers, a young Grizzly Bear cub, getting a physical from the staff.

Tiger and trainer working on perfecting a new education program for the Zoo's guest.

A staff member has a new friend hop on her shoulder for a surprise visit.

A Hollywood film crew prepares for an upcoming scene for a new movie. Cat Tales is a popular facility for many productions ranging from feature films to Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic footage, just to name a few.

Senior Trainer, Debbie Wyche, looks on as one of the best animal trainers in the industry, Ron Whitfield, offers some new ideas for her program.

Santa makes it by to say hi to the Tigers.

Staff stand ready in case the "Star" becomes too interested in the cameraman during the filming of a Public Service Announcement for the Zoo.

Enjoying a summer afternoon in their custom built swimming pool.

The trainer works at convincing the tigers to take a swim break so he can inspect the pool.

Staff sample the fresh fruit treats on the way to the Bear's area.

Instructors and a senior student move a Tiger to his exercise area for the day.

A still photographer working on a project takes a shot of the staff at work.

Instructors and students discuss plans for an upcoming project.

Tigers and Trainer await a short trip to another part of the zoo for a training session.

Trainer & Tiger take time to meet with the "Crash Test Dummies" during an outreach program teaching safety to area school children.

Staff and students sitting in on an evening class.