# @denverzoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbEyPYqGI0D
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68169169-denverzoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1f2c3bc1ae.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-22T00:18:23.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (@denverzoo) — https://gondola.cc/denverzoo

## Caption

🐾 Happy #NationalZookeeperWeek! Meet Disa Peery, Animal Care Specialist here at DZCA and a keeper whose tattoo is a love letter to two very special boys. 🖤 

Disa has been a zookeeper for 13 years and has been part of our team for 10 years. And on her skin are two animals who permanently claimed the top spot on her favorites list. 

🦏 Rudy the black rhino and Sekele the okapi. 

Disa's tattoo was commissioned for Rudy's 30th birthday in 2023, drawn by her artist jacquelyntattoo from photos Disa took of them herself. But the story behind it goes much deeper than a birthday gift. 

As a Night Keeper, Disa's interactions with animals look a little different: less feeding, more presence. And it was that dynamic that made her bond with Rudy so extraordinary. 

"We developed a relationship without food. His response to me when seeing or hearing me was not because I was a food source, but because we had an actual connection." 

Sekele won her heart the same way, showing up for scratches and love, no food required. 

Rudy was humanely euthanized in late May, and Disa was fortunate to be by his side with the rest of his loving care team. Sekele, however, is still thriving here at DZCA and you can currently find him in the yard across from Kamala Cafe. Keep an eye out for his upcoming move to the front of the Zoo! 🌿 

#NationalZookeeperWeek #ZookeeperAppreciationWeek #DenverZooConservationAlliance #AnimalCare #SavingWildlifeTogether

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 447
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

zookeeperappreciationweek, nationalzookeeperweek, savingwildlifetogether, animalcare, denverzooconservationalliance

---
Copyright (c) Gondola