A match made at the Zoo

When Barb Palmer and Jeremiah Cummins are not enjoying dinner at Balboa Teriyaki or relaxing at the old Sutro Bath site, they are working with some of the most exotic animals on the planet at the San Francisco Zoo.ÊÊ

WearingÊgreen pants and grungy work boots, they both carry the same simple, but important title - zookeeper. It is not a glamorous job, but they love it. Palmer tends to the lions and tigers and Cummins the primates, large and small. The two met at the Zoo three-and-a-half years ago and their love for animals soon brought them together as a couple. But, the tales of how they became zookeepers are poles apart.Ê

Palmer has been a SF Zoo zookeeper for 14 years and her love for the job started in her early years.

"When I was young, I spent more time with animals than people. My fascination grew, and I found myself gravitating more towards the exotic animals. They were exciting, but they also needed a voice, as many of them were endangered. I wanted to be a part of the conservation efforts."

Cummins had a biology background and after being laid off from a small biotech company that went belly-up he was on the hunt for a new job, but not just any job.

"I had to do some soul searching, and I really wanted to utilize my biology background," he said. "I was lucky enough to secure an internship at the Insect Zoo, where I worked with bugs and was surrounded by these magnificent animals. It was amazing and it's where I wanted to be."Ê

Each day, Palmer and Cummins arrive at the Zoo and head to their own animals. Palmer greets the golden eyed big cats and closelyÊexamines each one to ensure their coats are clean and shiny. She feeds them a meaty breakfast and provides other goodies, such as boxes scented with spices or cheap perfume.Ê

Cummins ensures his fast-moving primates are active and well, and then feeds them vegetables and fruits, three to four times a day.

Even though there is the dirty work of cleaning up after the animals, the couple knows they have the responsibility to care for and protect the Zoo's endangered and precious species. Being greeted every day by those they love, is a bonus.