Gorillas are the largest living primate.
Keeper Profile: Louise Grossfeldt
Louise Grossfeldt, Unit Supervisor, Primates, Taronga Zoo
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What animals do you work with?
Primates
How long have you been working as a zookeeper?
Almost 16 years.
How did you get into zookeeping as a profession?
Animals were always my passion. I volunteered at the Zoo while undertaking a teaching degree at Uni. I also worked casually in a Veterinary hospital, with horses and in a pet shop. I was lucky to get to know everyone through volunteering at the Zoo and managed to get the first job I applied for after completing my teaching degree.
What do you love most about your job?
That's a hard one!!! I love so many things about it!! Probably the most exciting thing is the close relationships that you develop with the animals you work with. Working with such intelligent animals like Primates, individuals recognise you. Personally, it's very rewarding to develop such a deep understanding of the complexity of these wonderful creatures, knowing that there is a real possibility that one day these animals might not survive in their native habitat and that we have the honour of working so closely with them.
What has been the wildest moment of your career so far?
I have had so many wild and amazing moments at the zoo!! Seeing chimps give birth, being a part of many primate introductions, seeing exhibit renovations and new developments take place, travelling all over the world!!
