We are KEEP – a small, not-for-profit organisation, made up of a team of like-minded zookeepers, dedicated to helping keepers connect with other collections in order to improve their CPD and, in turn, their animals’ welfare!
KEEP was founded in 2020 by Alice Vassallo, who then recruited James to help her vision of a more connected zoo industry come to life! After lots of research and MANY long discussions with ABWAK about how to go about creating an official programme, it was clear that these two needed a tech-wizard to add to their team – and along came Dan!
With Dan’s technology expertise, the team could finally push forward with founding an organisation that helps keepers learn new skills and develop their husbandry/training/enrichment knowledge. The combined time, energy and money of these three keepers over the past two years have culminated in a website being built to facilitate such an idea – the idea that us keepers have MUCH to learn from one another.
Meet The Team
Alice founded the organisation of KEEP back in 2020, during the pandemic. Her main responsibilities as Director are rallying the troops, being an endless source of positivity and enthusiasm, and being a friendly face when talking about KEEP and how important it is to learn from one another.
Alice is currently a Carnivore Keeper at both Shepreth Wildlife Park and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Dan was recruited to the KEEP cause for his technology savvy and formidable intellect. His roles as Treasure and CTO have him updating our website and managing the finances, as well as being the go-to for any technology advice.
Dan is currently a Keeper at Folly Farm and serves on the ABWAK Council.
James' role sees him updating KEEP’s followers about changes and upcoming news, as well as being a constant source of hilarious stories and sarcasm.
James is currently a Primate Keeper at Chester Zoo.
Kim joined the team once KEEP became live, however this isn't where her help started. Kim designed the fantastic logo that helps make KEEP stand out so fantastically.Â
Kim is currently a Zoo Keeper at Folly Farm.
