# @denverzoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbL1ZvJn3AS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68452596-denverzoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2b1c43c240.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-24T18:00:43.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (@denverzoo) — https://gondola.cc/denverzoo

## Caption

🐾 One last keeper spotlight to close out our #NationalZookeeperWeek series, and what a story to end on! Today we're introducing Courtney Meyer, Animal Care Specialist here at DZCA. 🖤 

Courtney has been a zookeeper for 9 years, with 6 of them at Zoo Atlanta and 3 right here at DZCA. And on her ankle is a very beloved footprint: Gunther the gorilla. 🦍 

Courtney was Gunther's primary trainer for three years in Atlanta, building a relationship that pushed her skills and her heart in equal measure. He was the first gorilla she trained new behaviors with — and the first she ever hand injected. 

"A hand injection is when I ask Gunther if I can poke him with a needle in his shoulder or thigh. To be able to do this behavior with any animal requires a lot of trust." 

When Gunther moved to Denver, Courtney got his footprint tattooed in honor of their bond, never expecting she'd work with him again. 

And then she ended up at DZCA. 🤍 

"I feel very lucky to be working with him again. Gunther is the goofiest and most expressive gorilla I know. He reminds me every day to find the joy in life." 

#NationalZookeeperWeek #ZookeeperAppreciationWeek #DenverZooConservationAlliance #AnimalCare #SavingWildlifeTogether

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 473
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 2

## Tags

zookeeperappreciationweek, nationalzookeeperweek, savingwildlifetogether, animalcare, denverzooconservationalliance

---
Copyright (c) Gondola