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Bill Steele enjoys hosting Zoo Chats about camels, one of his favorite animals.
STAFF Meet a Brookfield Zoo After the homes are cleaned and well–appointed, Bill fills up the
Staff Member animals’ feeders. The feeders include a timer that dispenses food to
the animals at different times every day. Feeding animals in this way is
In each issue, you’ll be introduced to one of Brookfield more natural and enriching for them and gives our staff time to work
Zoo’s amazing staff members! Keep your eyes peeled—you just might on other projects. During a short morning break, Bill and his crew
run into these fascinating folks on your next trip to the zoo. Here, meet members update one another about animals and projects. Then Bill
William “Bill” Steele. cleans and prepares the behind-the-scenes areas where the animals
sleep. After a quick lunch, he is back at work feeding the animals,
Name: William “Bill” Steele combing a camel, or maybe hosting a Zoo Chat. He ends his day at a
computer, letting his colleagues know what he and the animals have
Department: Animal Programs been up to.
Fun Facts: Bill loves to ride his bicycle as a way to conserve fuel.
Work Group: Animal Care Specialist 31st Yards/Hoofstock He bikes to work almost every day and takes longer, scenic bike rides
on the weekends. Bill is also a lover of ‘80s movies and craft beers.
Favorite Animals: Camel and gerenuk (type of antelope) He spends most of his free time with his wife Cathy, who is another
zoo employee, and their two rescue dogs, Willow and Gizmo. These
Favorite Enrichment Foods: Pizza, burgers, and salads days, you’ll probably find him camping with Cathy or helping his
daughter settle into her new home.
Length of Time at Brookfield Zoo: 29 years
About Bill: Bill strives to inspire conservation action at the zoo, in
Typical Day: Bill gets an early start on his day and usually begins work his community, and around the world. One of his goals is to create
around 8:00 a.m. Once he arrives, there is very little downtime. After Bill relationships between zoo guests and Animal Ambassadors. As an
and his crew members review the daily schedule, the fun begins. Each active member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Bill is
animal in Bill’s care gets a checkup and breakfast. Once he is sure that a fixture at all of their special events. He has helped raise funds for
the animals look healthy and full, Bill cleans their homes and leaves conservation causes and organizations including cheetah conservation,
behind fun enrichment items. Trees for You and Me, and Bowling for Rhinos. Bill believes that anyone
can be a conservationist by visiting and supporting local zoos.
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