The only thing predictable about managing animals at a zoo is that the collection is constantly changing. A lot of research is needed to determine what species work well in a particular exhibit. It takes many months to get the animals here and ready for public viewing.

Managers, zoologists and keepers are constantly evaluating the animal collection—what's working, what isn't and what to try next.

In the photo at left, zookeeper Karla Anderson places different food items in the sun bear exhibit to keep them active and challenge them mentally. By strategically placing food like grapes and honey within the exhibit, the sun bears will be able to forage, which is how they get their food in the wild.

"What we do helps the wild population …whether through research or by developing guidelines and protocol for captive animal care that can be translated to species in the wild."
Laurie Trechsel, Zoologist, Tropics Trail

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"Managing animals is more of an art than a science. What you think makes a "nice exhibit" may involve animals that don’t get along or can’t be exhibited together. Everyone has a different idea of what works and what doesn’t. Managing these ideas and getting it right can be a real challenge."
Tony Fisher, Collection Manager

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