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Zookeeper/Animal Staff

Additional profiles will be posted as they are received.

 
Beth Foglesong, Zookeeper   Lisa Chickos, Zookeeper
My husband and I moved to Alaska in 1998.  Prior to the zoo, I spent 6 years in Maryland working for an equine Veterinarian/Quarter Horse breeder.  I have been around animals all my life, with jobs from pet-sitter to riding instructor.  One of my favorite zoo moments was the introduction of our resident coyotes, Archie and Wiley.  We released them together into a larger exhibit.  Watching them interact always puts a smile on my face!   My husband and I moved to Alaska in the summer of 2007.  Prior to working at the Zoo, I worked with bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphins at a marine mammal rehabilitation and public display facility in Panama City Beach, FL.  I have also done seal and sea lion rescues and releases for The Marine Mammal Center of Monterey Bay, CA.  At our Zoo, I work with our red foxes, wolverine, raccoon, camel, ravens, owls, hawks and eagles.  My interests include hiking, camping, and struggling to learn how to snowboard.
 
Jim Rutkowski, Zookeeper   Marcos Aguiar, Zookeeper
I am from the New England area and moved to Alaska in the fall of 1989.  I began work as a zookeeper in 1998.  I provide care for most of the animals at the zoo throughout a normal work week.  Some of the animals I care for include the tigers, snow leopards, porcupines, reptiles, and reindeer.  Over my years here, my favorite experiences have been helping to hand-raise a baby musk ox (in 2000) and a river otter (in 2002).  I was involved in their training and also helped to present education programs about them.  My interests outside of work include hiking, fishing, and walking my two best canine friends.  

I’m originally from Ceara, northeastern part of Brazil. I moved to the U.S. in 2002, when I started my studies at Colorado State University. I’ve volunteered at the Humane Society for 3 years, taking care of wild animals such as raccoons, squirrels, coyotes and red foxes. In 2007 I received my Bachelor Degree in Zoology from CSU and moved to Alaska for an internship at the zoo. I was hired as a full-time zookeeper in August.  I work with the polar bears, otters, wolves, deer, black bears and petting zoo.  My interests include swimming in the ocean, playing videogames, cooking and spending time with the coolest cats ever, General and Yoda.
 
Shannon Jensen, Curator of Animals   Stephanie Hartman, Zookeeper
I am originally from Washington and graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor of science degree in Wildlife Biology (GO COUGS!!).  I was hired as a zookeeper in 1995.  I have worked with birds, black bears, camels, moose, seal, and otters.  My interests within the animal field include wildlife nutrition, behavioral enrichment, training with positive reinforcement, and animal behavior.  I was promoted to Curator in September 2005.  My interests include rowing, being a mom, and hiking.  I am working towards a graduate degree in Biology (wildlife), particularly effects of plant architecture on moose foraging.   I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and moved to Anchorage after graduating from Washington State University in 2006. At WSU I obtained my bachelor of science degree as a double major in Zoology and Animal Science, and took great interest in animal behavior and the physiology of large mammal reproduction. Upon completion of my degree, I began at the Alaska Zoo as a keeper and trainer working with the birds of prey, otters, black bears, moose, camel, and wolves. I am also currently working with the polar bears, petting zoo, and Sitka deer. I enjoy all aspects of my position particularly training and behavioral enrichment.
   
Thomas "Smitty" Smith, Head Zookeeper    
I was a zookeeper at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs for 8 1/2 years taking care of hoofstock, felines, primates, and birds of prey.  I moved to Alaska in spring 1994 to work at The Alaska Zoo.  I became Head Zookeeper in 1995, when our Amur Tigers arrived.  I care for the tigers, snow leopards, Dall sheep, reindeer, porcupines, and yaks.  I have also added the care of our reptile collection to my list of animals at the zoo.  My interests include spending time with my dog, Sasami, and cat (named "Kat").