Katharina Buczek
Since starting her dream job about four months ago, however, things have taken a turn, and she no longer believes she is cut out for zookeeping.
First of all, the zoo apparently has her working with seals and penguins.
“And I was excited at first and wondered why more experienced keepers would leave those roles open for a newcomer,” she explained.
“I soon found out why.”
After work, she often finds fish scales everywhere– from in her hair, clothes, boots, and pockets to random places she didn’t even realize were possible.
Plus, the fish scale stench has invaded her life, making her car, house, and everything she owns stink.
So, for her, the hard work and low pay really are not the problem with her new job. In fact, she actually expected all of that and learned to work in those conditions during her farm internship.
Instead, she actually just feels as though her love of animals has been changed by her new career.
“Like I’ve grown to be resentful of the animals I work with for ruining my life, even though I care about them and would hate to quit and never see them again,” she revealed.
“I don’t know… when I see how all the other keepers never complain and seem to love the animals unconditionally, it makes me wonder if I don’t belong here.”
She also never anticipated just how much feeling gross all the time would take a toll on her mental health. And she is sick and tired of hearing from other zookeepers about their tips and tricks for removing the odor.
