In the 100 years Auckland Zoo has been around it has changed a lot.
Keepers now have to be experts in animal husbandry, conservation and education.
The zoo's new elephant, Anjalee, had to be selected and cared for by keepers for months before she arrived.
In an effort to understand more about their role, reporter Lachlan Forsyth was sent along with two important instructions - don't kill anything, and don't get killed.
Watch the video for the full Newsworthy report.
