Cole Warner, lead zookeeper at Keystone Safari in Grove City, checks on Levi the giraffe. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Caring for the furry, fast and fierce animals on display at Keystone Safari, on the Mercer Butler Pike just northwest of Slippery Rock, can rarely be accomplished in 8 hours. Zookeeper Cole Warner normally spends 10 hours at the safari on his workdays, which start by cleaning out enclosures and serving up breakfasts. Warner then focuses on getting the safari park ready for guests, followed by more shoveling and pitchforking in the animals’ messy accommodations. He then makes the rounds, checking on the carnivores, giraffes and others to ensure all is well as they amaze patrons visiting the safari park.
Warner, an 8-year employee of Keystone Safari, normally ends his day by whipping up a healthy and delicious dinner for his hungry menagerie. That means weighing and mixing several pounds of meat and creating a special concoction for the bears.
Keystone Safari is open 7 days per week and offers drive-through and walk-through options, as well as demonstrations on and feeding of various animals.
Cole Warner, lead zookeeper, checks on Levi the giraffe at Keystone Safari in Grove City. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lead zookeeper Cole Warner checks on Levi the giraffe at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Levi the giraffe strikes an adorable pose at Keystone Safari in Grove City. Levi is just one of the many exotic animals that can be viewed by patrons driving or walking through the safari park. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Cole Warner, lead zookeeper at Keystone Safari in Grove City, shares facts about his long-necked friend, Levi. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lead zookeeper Cole Warner prepares bear food for the night feeding at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Cole Warner, lead zookeeper at Keystone Safari in Grove City, must follow precise instructions when preparing each animal’s dinner in the evening. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Levi, who is one of the tallest residents at Keystone Safari in Grove City, casts a doe-eyed gaze in the direction of lead zookeeper Cole Warner, who cleans his enclosure, prepares his meals, and generally ensures his well-being each day. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lead zookeeper Cole Warner locks up an enclosure at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lemurs wait for visitors at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
A black bear appears menacing and adorable at the same time at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lead zookeeper Cole Warner prepares meat for the carnivores' night feeding at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Cole Warner, lead zookeeper selects fresh, healthy ingredients for the night feeding at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The lead zookeeper position at Keystone Safari in Grove City means mixing various meats for the carnivores' night feeding, among many other tasks. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
It’s not all glamour in the lead zookeeper position at Keystone Safari in Grove City. Here, Cole Warner, lead zookeeper, cleans up the floor of the bear enclosure. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Lead zookeeper Cole Warner cleans out the bear enclosure at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Menial but important tasks, like washing buckets used for food prep, are in the job description of Cole Warner, lead zookeeper at Keystone Safari in Grove City on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Meat is on the menu every night for the carnivores at Keystone Safari in Grove City. Lead zookeeper Cole Warner prepares dinner on Wednesday, July 17. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
