This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Megan, a dedicated aquarist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Megan cares for the wonderful animals in our Pacific Seas and Tropical Reef Aquariums. We asked her to share what inspired her to become an aquarist and what working with animals means to her.

How long have you been an aquarist?

I’ve been working in public zoos and aquariums for 16 years. I began my career interacting with guests and then moved into animal husbandry.

What do you wish more people knew about the species you care for?

I wish more people took the time to truly observe and learn about our ocean friends. There’s a whole world of incredible creatures out there—from the powerful suction of nurse sharks to the quirky suction-cup fins of spiny lumpsuckers. Nature’s creativity is on full display beneath the surface!

Can you share a moment when you really connected with an animal?

At one point in my career, I had the honor of caring for a 350-pound Loggerhead sea turtle. She was the best dive buddy and underwater supervisor you could ask for—curious, friendly, and always checking in on our work. After a quick inspection, she’d nestle herself under the divers as they scrubbed décor… and take a nap.

What’s a recent success or milestone you’re proud of in your work?

One of my proudest recent milestones was being a part of the reopening of the Tropical Reef Aquarium last year. It was the result of years of collaboration, planning, and hard work across multiple departments, and the outcome was worth every bit of it. The newly remodeled space is now home to a vibrant mix of fish and shark species, and it’s been incredible to watch guests connect with the underwater world in a whole new way.

What inspired you to become an aquarist?

I’ve been connected to animals and nature for as long as I can remember, so working in this field has always felt like a natural path. It all started with a 5-gallon Little Mermaid fish tank as a kid, and before long, our house was filled with over 20 tanks! (I had very patient parents.) That childhood passion kept growing and eventually led me to a career working with even bigger and more fascinating creatures.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an aquarist and zookeeper?

If you’re passionate about animals, keep learning about the species that fascinate you. Volunteer at a local facility, and if you can, find an opportunity to shadow a keeper or aquarist. Those hands-on experiences are invaluable, and they’re often the first steps toward turning your passion into a career.

What’s one of your funniest or most memorable animal moments?

Did you know sharks can be trained? It’s true! Just like many of our other animals, we train our sharks to participate in their own care. One of my most memorable moments was successfully training sharks to swim through a specially designed shark stretcher for wellness checks. It’s incredible what positive reinforcement and patience can achieve!

Do you have a favorite animal to work with, and why?

Honestly, my favorite animal changes daily—sometimes even by the hour! I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a diverse group of species. Right now, I’m especially drawn to the panther groupers in our Lagoon habitat. They stay hidden most of the day but come out with such determination at feeding time. Watching them grow (they’ve doubled in size over the past year!) has been such a rewarding experience.

What’s your favorite animal fact to share with guests?

Did you know some fish can change sex based on age, size, or social dynamics? Species like certain wrasses, clownfish, and groupers have this incredible ability. Nature is wild and wonderfully adaptive—how cool is that?