Actors presenting Keepers Talks

Most zoos have set times for keepers to do presentations about animals in their care. As well as providing an educational opportunity to visitors, it gives them the chance to meet one on one with keepers. I have heard of actors doing presentations in the past as well, but only very rarely.

However I heard the other day of a major zoo that has taken on actors to do presentations. I was surprised as this zoo had a long history of keeper talks by the keepers themselves.

I was wondering if anybody was aware of other zoos that follow this practice currently, or if it is a trend? Also any opinions?

Of course I am not talking about the large amphitheatre style presentations which do require different.skills.

 

I remember about 25 years ago SeaWorld in San Diego had hired actors to do their bird show, which was not educational but simply a fictional story as entertainment.



Hix

 

Whipsnade went through a, thankfully brief, period of employing actors to do their talks and the Passage Thru Asia train ride. It lasted for maybe a season due to negative feedback from both keepers and the public.

 

Actors are certainly not needed. All it takes is a confident, enthusiastic keeper who has a lot of knowledge about their subject and can put it across in a fun way. Sadly I have seen plenty of zoo talks that have been bland, zoos need to train there keepers in this more but actors definitely not needed.

 

Zoos differ in this. At Chester there are specialist presenters, known as Zoo Rangers, I think one Ranger does all the talks of the day when they are on duty (the list of talks and times changes on each day of the week); I am sure they regard themselves as teachers rather actors.
At Bristol, a presenter does the talking with the keepers present, feeding the animals.
At Paignton, I think the keepers do the talks themselves.

Alan

 

Do you mean actual actors or just 'not keepers'

 

Actual Union regisered actors.

 

How odd, I guess there really isn't enough work out there for actors! I'd prefer to think it's people with presenting skills who are interested in wildlife/conservation rather than actors!

 

I have always found that the presenters at London Zoo are of the highest quality, professional and very knowledgable. I think from now on, there are 15 various talks taking place at the Zoo and the presenters maintain their enthusiasm throughout the day. These young people are only too willing to share their knowledge with the visitors, they certainly add to my visits.