There are many days at work where Bec Scott has to stand out all day in pouring rain and occasional snow, or be called in after receiving a call in the dead of night.
But the wildlife supervisor at the National Zoo and Aquarium says she still has the best job in the world.
"It's such a rewarding job to work out here in this beautiful environment, and at the end of the day, you're forming these working relationships with the animals," Ms Scott said.
"The relationships with the animals are so unique for each keeper, and they last a lifetime."
The zookeeper was one of more than 30 keepers at the national zoo to mark International Zoo Keeper Day on Friday.
Along with their regular duties and responsibilities, keepers spent the day giving special talks about the role zoo keepers play, not just in Canberra but around the world.
Ms Scott said zoo keepers had an important job when it comes to educating the public about conservation.
"In this day and age, animals all around the world are facing hardship, and many are facing extinction," she said.
"Zoo keepers have a big role to play, and we pour our heart and soul into conservation and help to make a difference."
Ms Scott has worked at the national zoo for 17 years, and says no two days are ever the same.
"Every day you learn something new," she said.
"The animals will teach you something every day about the species that you didn't know existed before."
Friday's celebrations comes as the zoo has undergone a recent expansion, and also some new arrivals earlier this year.
Last July saw a baby giraffe born at the zoo, just the second of the species born at the zoo and the first in three years.
While care for each of the animals at the zoo depends on the species, Ms Scott said the approach taken by keepers, however, have the same principles.
"Each day can vary, but for the most part, zoo keepers are dedicated to the daily husbandry of the animal, such as food and ensuring the animal is happy and healthy," Ms Scott said.
"They need to be provided with the right diet and receive the enrichment and behavioural needs the animals might need."
Despite the many perks of the job that Ms Scott says she is fortunate to have, the gig isn't always what it is cracked up to be.
"It's quite a physical role at times, and certainly not for the faint-hearted," she said.
"A lot of people think we just come in and roll around in the monkey enclosure and play all day with the animals, but it's a 24-hour job sometimes and it's an emotional job."
While qualifications are needed in order to become a zoo keeper, Ms Scott said hands-on experience was the best way for prospective keepers to get ahead.
Alongside the zoo's dozens of staff helping take care of the animals, she said volunteers also helped to keep the place moving.
"We're working with species that are very unique, and the best way to get experience is to become a volunteer at the zoo, and we love being able to share what we do," Ms Scott said.
