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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Names 2010 "Zookeeper of the Year"
Apple Valley, MINN – March 8, 2011 – Dan Peterson, a 17-year veteran of the Minnesota Zoo's aquarium department, has been named the 2010 "Zookeeper of the Year." Nicknamed "Diver Dan" by coworkers, Peterson was promoted to "zoologist" in July 2008 and since then has worked as the lead aquarist, focusing much of his time on leafy and weedy sea dragons along with rehabilitation turtles. Peterson was nominated by a fellow staff member for the award. Says Peterson: "For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work with aquatic animals,whether it be sharks or marine mammals. Taking care of such a diverse group of animals is a lot of work, but I enjoy the challenge. It keeps my job interesting and fun." Before coming to the Minnesota Zoo, Peterson worked for a non-profit science organization on Nantucket Island off of Cape Cod where he ran a small summer aquarium facility for summer tourists. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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