Jason Barr, Elephant Lead Keeper

How long have you worked at the Fort Worth Zoo?
I joined the Fort Worth Zoo's staff in 1999.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the unpredictability of each day - no matter how much we make plans; we can always count on the animals to change them! Although I work with other animals including the hippopotamus and Asian rhino, my main job duties are as the lead keeper of the Zoo's Asian elephant herd. The Zoo houses five Asian elephants, two males (bulls) and three females (cows).

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
One of my biggest challenges is thinking of ways to keep our elephants mentally and physically stimulated every day. Much of this stimulation comes from activities provided by the Zoo's Enrichment Program, which develops changes in the animals' daily husbandry to increase natural behaviors. However, the elephant staff interacts with the elephants daily, and ensures that they utilize the Zoo's 4-acre exhibit space to exercise and roam.

What's the most interesting thing about the animals you work with at the Fort Worth Zoo?
Elephants are considered one of the most intelligent mammals, so it never ceases to amaze me how smart they are, and how eager they are to learn new things. Throughout the day, we also practice training behaviors (such as lifting a foot when directed) that help veterinary staff give medical treatments, and it also helps us perform daily check-ups on them.

What advice would you give to students who may pursue a job like yours?
As a young adult, be willing to move to a different city or state to gain the experience you need to become a better keeper. The more elephants and elephant programs you work with while you are young, the more you learn and the better you will be.

What is your favorite amazing fact about elephants?
Again, elephants are such smart animals, and seem to learn something new every day. One of the most amazing facts is that in the wild, elephants can live up to 70 years! Even though they are the largest land animal, they are great swimmers, but can't run or jump. To chase prey or escape a predator they simply speed up their graceful shuffle.

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