Oakland Zoo’s own, Amy Kinzley, Keeper II, to be awarded the 2006 – AAZK Excellence in Zookeeping Award

The Oakland Zoo is proud to announce, our own Amy Kinzley / Keeper II, will be presented the 2006 American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Jean M. Hromadka Excellence in Zookeeping Award. This award is presented each year to one keeper nationally and recognizes the achievements, determination and professionalism of an individual in the zoo keeping field. The award ceremony will take place in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 19th, at the 33rd AAZK National Conference. Receiving this honor, Amy will be recognized for her many years of service to the Oakland Zoo as a dedicated keeper. She is the primary keeper of the African Veldt exhibit and serves in a leadership position as a Keeper II. Amy is one of two keepers in charge of the Animal Management Volunteer and Intern/Apprentice program. As a part of this program, she organized and implemented the “Intern and Apprentice Classes” - classes are of such high caliber they count as continuing education credits for keepers and docents alike. This award also recognizes Amy’s work with the animals in her care; comprehensive operant conditioning programs, the development of a homeopathic medical regime, TTouch training and therapy, and her work publishing on these topics educating others regarding the possibilities of expanding their own animal husbandry programs. She has accomplished countless goals with her animals, to include training for voluntary radiographs, ultrasounds, and routine farrier work. The award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to over 440 native and exotic animals. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 525 acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. For more information please call (510) 632-9525 ext. 132, or visit our web site at www.oaklandzoo.org.