In recognition of National Zoo Keeper Week, we’re featuring some of our amazing keepers here on our blog.
Majorie Barthel often works with her favorite animal, a black rhino named Klyde, as one of the hoofed-mammal keepers at the Cincinnati Zoo. She began her career as a keeper by volunteering at the Cincinnati Zoo during high school and then got a part-time job working in the Children’s Zoo, eventually moving up to a full-time position working with elephants.
Majorie has worked with gorillas & nocturnal animals, but her true love is hoofed stock. On a typical day, she feeds, cleans, trains, administers medicine and gives the animals in her care the proper, personal attention they love. Like many of the animal keepers here, Majorie is a keeper for life. “This is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. I love it.”
Amazing work you do, Marjorie.
Marj! You were a volunteer under me at the Children’s Zoo years ago. Glad you made this your full-time career. Cincinnati Zoo was a wonderful place to work!
Saw you giving Klyde treats while visiting last week. He is an amazing animal!
Hey Marge. Not sure if you remember me but we worked camel rides together back in 2001. How have you been?
Marj, you are an amazing person and such a hard worker! I am so glad you found your passion in life! Love ya sis!
I’m so jealous. I wish I had the guts and the ride to volunteer in high school.
Marjorie, I have a soft spot in my heart for rhinos too! I live in Cincinnati and have made many trips to the zoo. I also watch a rhino webcam in Scotland. I’ve written nearly 300 stories,and I’m working on building a website,so kids can enjoy their adventures and learn why it’s so important to keep rhinos and endangered species in the world. I’m sure you would enjoy taking a look at this when it’s ready to go. It’s great to pursue your true passion. Keep up the great work !
Yea Marj! You Rock! 🙂
Amazing work you do, I am green with envy cos me and my friends here in UK & Australia just adore Rhino.
Hey BF… You’re so great and awesome!!!! 🙂
01/29/13 Hi – I work at CCHMC and am a member at the zoo. I walk there frequently at lunchtime and I fell in love with Klyde when he came in 2009. I talk to him every chance I get and have met him in an “encounter”. Several months ago it seemed like there was something wrong with his skin and it seemed to get worse. He was out today and it really looks bad. I tried to look up skin ailments for black rhinos with no luck. Can you give me any input or at least let me know he is okay. He is such a handsome rhino. Thanks and I hope you will respond. Have a blessed day. linda