On the recordJuly 27, 2023
In the spirit of National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, I wish to take a moment to recognize an outstanding zookeeper in my district, Helen Chu. Ms. Chu serves locally at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. The zoo is home to many rescued wild and domestic animals, including bears, wolf hybrids, monkeys, birds, cougars, insects, and more. Ms. Chu has worked for the Folsom Zoo since 2019, but her service to wildlife has been lifelong. She graduated from the University of California Davis with a degree in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology and also earned a degree in exotic animal training and management from Moorpark College. Prior to bringing this knowledge to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Ms. Chu worked with animals as a zookeeper for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and the Sacramento Zoo. In Folsom, Ms. Chu has contributed significantly to the zoo's positive reinforcement animal training and behavioral enrichment programs, improving the quality of life of the animals. Her diligent efforts and unique ability to problem solve have helped animals with health challenges participate in veterinary care without undue stress or danger to the animals and staff. Throughout her tenure, she has exhibited the core values of a zookeeper through teamwork, excellence, and patience. Her leadership and dedication to the care and well-being of the animals and the experience of Folsom residents is truly admirable.…
