A lifetime of achievement

September 1, 2019

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is honored to announce Zoo Curator, Heather Vrzal, has won the 2019 AAZK Lifetime Achievement Award. The American Association of Zoo Keepers, (AAZK) is a U.S. 501c(3) non-profit volunteer association which provides resources to animal care workers, including volunteers and professionals, for training, professional development, and conservation.

This honor highlights Heather’s role in providing outstanding animal care during her 30-plus years at Happy Hollow, and 37 years as a Zookeeper. Animal welfare is a critical part of modern professional animal care, and thousands of animals have benefited from her many years of dedication to the field.

Big or small, she has cared for them all. Heather began her zookeeping career at Moorpark College and graduated from their Exotic Animal Training and Management program in 1984. From 1984 to 1987 she worked as an Animal Keeper at Los Angeles Zoo, caring for both African and Asian elephants, as well as marine mammals. Since then, Heather has had lots of experience maintaining and evaluating the health of large and small mammals including; hoofstock, primates, psittacines, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, rodents, marsupials and birds – to name a few.

Heather has helped Happy Hollow maintain continuous accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for over 25 years – working in all areas of the Zoo, and coordinating with veterinary staff, zookeepers, animal trainers, and Species Survival Plan programs. She also trains and evaluates staff – ensuring that every animal at Happy Hollow receives the best care, diet, enrichment, medical treatment and quality of life.

Heather has also helped Happy Hollow contribute data on animal fertility and survival rates to the Zoological Information Management System, an international database that helps zookeepers compare important information on thousands of endangered species.

Whether she is training a keeper to work with an alligator, assisting with an exhibit, conducting a public education meet-and-greet, or facilitating a dental exam on a jaguar – Heather enjoys working directly with the animals.

As an active member of the Happy Hollow Conservation team, Heather has also provided support, education, promotion and fundraising for local and global wildlife conservation organizations and initiatives, including the Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program.

Heather has been distinguished by her peers for her compassion and grit, as well as her adoption of the Whole Life Training Program which positively impacts animals, staff and volunteers. This merit-based program was listed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums as an exemplar for other facilities, demonstrating her commitment to the wellbeing of people and animals alike. She was also awarded “The Change Makers Medal of Honor” for demonstrating a career-long investment in animal welfare.

Heather’s courage, compassion, distinguished work record and work ethic, leadership and professionalism make her a highly valued member of the Happy Hollow team and zoological community.

Congratulations to Heather, on these outstanding achievements!