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“Almost 20 feet,” Mike answered. “Fezzik’s one of the largest giraffes in captivity.” The strapping young zookeeper broke a limb from a bush and thrust it into my hands with a big smile. “Why don’t you feed him?” I pushed the branch upwards, blinking against the sun. The branch bled white sap onto my hands, which instantly changed into glue.

The episode was part of the “Zookeeper for a Day” adventure that my husband Paul and I signed up for at the Miami MetroZoo. From dawn until dusk, we worked alongside zookeepers as they cared for their animals, assisting them with feeding and exhibit maintenance. We also gained an understanding and appreciation of the world's wildlife, and the MetroZoo’s role in helping to conserve it.

Our experiences included checking the eye of a red river hog, hand-feeding sweet potatoes to a rhino, warding off the advances of an amorous parrot and accepting kisses from New Guinea Singing Dog puppies.

The three different zookeepers we worked with – Madeline, Mike and Emily – all chose their careers because they care deeply about animals. Some of the job is fun. Who could complain about cutting Eucalyptus for cuddly koalas or giving an aged rhino a back rub with a garden rake?

However, much of the job is decidedly not glamorous, and we shared in that, too. We helped Mike rake up a Greater Kudu’s enclosure (Kudu are a large type of woodland antelope). Their huge, grassy paddock was littered with thousands of bean-size pellets, and each one needed to be removed with a rake and a shovel.

“Can you see why I love to come into work each day?” Mike enthused. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.” At that moment, I began to understand just how truly passionate zookeepers are. When we left him he still had more cleaning to do and he still wore a big smile.

We met Emily right before lunch. This friendly and incredibly educated zookeeper works in the “Wings of Asia” exhibit, the largest Asian aviary in the world. She was just as passionate about her birds as Mike was about his Kudu. I caught her yawning and asked if she was tired.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” she confessed. “It was really windy and I was afraid Conway would tip over and be lying there all night.”

“He’s a Wattled Crane. He was born in 1949, so he’s getting kind of decrepit. He’s not on display anymore, and he does pretty well, but when he tips over he can’t get up.”

She smiled. “His whole name is Conway Tweetie. I didn’t name him,” she added. “Blame that on somebody else.”

When we explored the Asian Aviary, home to over 300 individuals and 80 species of birds, Emily encouraged us to stand quietly. As our eyes searched the trees, water and ground, we began to notice birds we had missed at first glance. We admired the Nicobar pigeons with their long feathers that draped off of them like hair, and laughed at the strange little Javan Whistling ducks. They had enormous, fat feet and examined us with great interest. Tiny birds colored in every hue of the rainbow fluttered past and hid in the branches.

Emily had some good advice for zoo visitors: Listening and observing is the best way to take a peek into the animal’s world. Don’t feed the animals, yell at them or throw things at them. The idea is take a peek into the animal’s world, not become part of it.

Do ask questions. The employees and volunteers enjoy teaching others about “their” animals, and what you learn can enrich your experience. For instance, when I asked Mike if giraffes were dangerous, he said though they are friendly, they are so big that they can literally kick the head off of a lion; therefore, handlers avoid going into the paddock with them.

There are lots of ways to explore the zoo. You can stroll around on foot, but I thought pedaling a Safari Cycle looked like more fun. The cycles provide a cool, comfortable and convenient way for the whole family take in the sights.

 If that still looks too much like work for you, you can chill out on the air-conditioned monorail. It features a narrated tour of both behind-the-scenes areas and exhibits along the walkway. Or rent a water cycle at MetroZoo's Lake Iguana. (Rental strollers and wheelchairs are also available.)

Some of the fabulous fun at the zoo includes cringing at creepy crawlies atToadstool, an air-conditioned exhibit room that houses most of the zoo’s small reptiles, amphibians and bugs, as well as Lorelei, a 13-foot Burmese python.

To relax, wander through the butterfly garden and try to spot the stunning insects noshing on the flower’s nectar, or take a spin atop an endangered animal replica on the Wildlife Carousel (adults may ride it, too).

Plus, you can putter around Pelican Cove, a unique exhibit where you can learn about and feed Florida pelicans that have been rehabilitated from situations that prevent them from being released back into the wild.

The Petting Zoo provides a chance to get up-close-and-personal with a pot-bellied pig or the polish hens; the frenzied feeding of the meerkat family is both freaky and fun.

Located at their respective exhibits, zookeeper talks allow you to snag the chance to observe animals enjoying their favorite treats and learn about them. Their keepers will even answer questions, and there’s a schedule available so if you’re particularly interested in Indian Rhinos or Pygmy Hippos you won’t miss out on the action.

The Wildlife Shows are all about education through entertainment. Experienced trainers provide a rare glimpse into the fascinating world of wild animals.

The snack bar features not only classic American favorites like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos, but also healthy alternatives like the veggie wrap I chose. Most snack bar food I’ve ever eaten was light-years away from healthy or tasty; however, at the Metrozoo, my lunch was scrumptious.

The Miami Metrozoo is open 365 days a year, so make sure you include time to visit it on your trip to the Miami area.

Wear sunglasses and some kind of hat for sun protection. Remember sunscreen and comfortable shoes, too.

Apparently it is not uncommon for people to smuggle their unwanted pet birds into the aviary and turn them loose. This is a very bad idea as the birds who live there are extremely territorial.

If you’re signing up to be a Zookeeper, you should wear shoes with a closed toe, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Whether you sign up to be a “Zookeeper for a Day” or just visit the zoo in the more traditional way, I can guarantee that you’ll have a good time and learn a lot. I came away with a new respect for the real zookeepers – the men and women who dedicate their lives to their beloved animals, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge about them with the rest of us.