Yup it's true, after 14 years in the zookeeping industry it's over. I've been doing this for most of my life but it's time to move on. A Big part it has been displaying free flight birds with birds of prey. Hence the big ass glove, usually it's to the elbow with three layers of leather due to the size and power of wedgedtailed and sea eagles. Over time I've actively used two layer gloves to the forearm as that way I have a better feel of how the bird is doing and what its up to. The downside being I get poked, scratched, punctured and stabbed alot more hahaha. Part of the job and I've got some pretty impressive scars now.

I've worked in a few zoos and learned much, shared alot and taught what I know to any and all.

A big part of this peice is the little bit of leather hanging from my belt loop. Which is based of the leather anklet I made from scratch by hand for my first eagle "Reg" who is still a total teenager, sook, baby, jerk and grumble bum. Who helped me learn and train demonstrations about the animal itself and not just a script and what you want from it.
It's about them and what they want to show. Made every show special and unique to having regulars coming back again and again and constantly seeing and learning something new.

I will miss the rush of a full crowd and making a show on the spot, getting soaked by the rain/storms/floods, opening up the world to school kids, getting people excited about animals in their own backyards.

Who knows what the future will hold...
Will greatly miss it but this doggo is done
Stay wild.

Amazing work by long time friend  Keblin
Over the moon and pretty sad about it all