The Passionate Care Behind Como Zoo’s Primate Kingdom
In the heart of St. Paul, at Como Zoo, a dedicated zookeeper named Mike Marazzi manages the intricate relationships with around two dozen primates, including sloths and orangutans. His role is crucial not only for the care of these magnificent creatures but also for the enlightenment of the public about wildlife and conservation.
Marazzi describes his position as requiring a "passionate" individual who can connect with animals that often come from different backgrounds and behave in diverse ways. “Your animals are somewhere in that realm between a pet and a co-worker,” he explains. The bond Marazzi builds with each animal blends a protective love with professional accountability—a unique balance required in the world of zookeeping.
Every day presents a new set of challenges and rewards. Marazzi, who has worked in zoos across the country, particularly cherishes his interactions with orangutans, describing them as meticulous and intelligent. He comments, “They’re going to get to every granular detail… I do just love that about them.” Such reflections highlight the depth of his connection to these creatures and the respect he has for their complexities.
Working with primates demands patience and trust-building. Marazzi employs food and simple activities, like laser pointer games, to foster cooperation during health check-ups. Vital procedures, such as cardiac ultrasounds for aging apes, require an established rapport that only comes from hours of dedication and care.
Yet, not every moment is joyful. Marazzi speaks candidly about the emotional toll of losing animals, a reality inherent in zookeeping. He recalls the disappointment of losing a newborn sloth while also celebrating the life of an emperor tamarin who made a hyped debut shortly thereafter. “To do the job well, you need to be emotionally invested...” he acknowledges, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of his role.
One stand-out story from his tenure involves Gomez, a spider monkey who underwent surgery to restore his vision after living in darkness for over a decade. Witnessing Gomez rediscover the world around him was a profound moment for Marazzi, reinforcing his purpose: to create lasting impacts in the lives of animals. “That’s why I want to do this job,” he shares.
A typical day for Marazzi starts early, preparing for the animals’ visual checks and nourishing them. It continues through cleaning duties and culminates in behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the zoo running smoothly. The dedication shown by zookeepers like Marazzi is a testament to the commitment necessary to make wildlife care a fulfilling career.
As our understanding of wildlife deepens, so does the need for passionate caretakers to lead the way. Marazzi's experiences illustrate not just the challenges of zookeeping but the joy and fulfillment derived from forming genuine connections with our planet's diverse species. What does it take to connect deeply with an animal and foster a relationship of trust?
Feel free to share your thoughts or stories about animal care and the bonds that can be formed across species. We welcome your insights in the comments below!