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Linda Moore, Biologist
Beaver Valley

I am the senior keeper responsible for the care and management of our animal residents as well as the daily operation of Beaver Valley, including educational programs, water quality, and exhibit maintenance.

When I say "senior" keeper, I mean that quite literally. I have more than 25 years of experience as an animal keeper here at the National Zoo. My career started with an interest in animals and an opportunity to spend some time volunteering at the zoo through programs sponsored by the Friends of the National Zoo.

After all these years I continue to enjoy going to work every day. There are probably two reasons for that. One is the relationship I have with the animals and the people at the zoo. The other is that working here is a continuous learning process. Different things happen all the time, and it is never a boring job.

There are so many aspects of the job that I enjoy, it is difficult to say what I like the best. I don't process fish as often as I used to, and I actually miss that. I used to plan my entire day over a sink of thawing fish destined for the seals and sea lions. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to observe all of the animals and their different behaviors, and to interact with them while training them for husbandry procedures and educational programs. I suppose that is my college psychology/sociology major coming out in me. I have always been fascinated by behavior, whether it be animal or human.

As for the worst part of my job, well...it would have to be the amount of time I now spend in front of a computer. I find it really takes away a lot of the time I could be spending with the animals and our visitors.

When I do get the chance to interact with our guests, I am often asked what my favorite animal is. Having worked with so many different animals during my career here, I must say that I find them all fascinating and couldn't possibly choose a favorite. They are all individuals, and although some individuals hold a special place in my heart, I have never met an animal I didn't like, or at least respect. Even when they don't like me! I fondly remember the wild turkey we had in Beaver Valley many years ago, who would go out of his way to spur me every chance he could. He certainly earned my respect! Then I think about the incredibly trusting and fun relationships I developed with the seals and sea lions. In my mind, one relationship isn't better or worse than the other—they are simply different stories. And, believe me, I have many stories that I could tell.

So if you get the chance, come to Beaver Valley and look around for me. I would be delighted to share some more of my experiences with you.

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