Page 13 - Work Force February 2023

Zoo workers care for animals during historic blizzard
BUFFALO — The Buffalo Zoo has always been open to the public rain or shine, but the recent blizzard that paralyzed the area over Christmas weekend forced the zoo to close its doors and go into what many of the zookeepers describe as “survival mode.”
The zookeepers worked tirelessly to prepare for the storm, including putting most of the animals into indoor enclosures but their work didn’t stop when the snow fell.
Since many roads were impassible for drivers, several zookeepers who live within walking distance to the zoo made the trek to care for the animals throughout the storm.
Like the rest of Western New York, the bitter cold and powerful winds caused snow drifts as high as the gates surrounding the zoo and knocked down several trees across the campus.
One of the highest snow drifts was over the kookaburra exhibit’s food shed, where keepers couldn’t even see where the shed was. Rather than
dig it out, they pooled food from other sources around the zoo to feed the kookaburras.
“We all just went into survival mode,” said Kelsey Lowery, a zookeeper. “You just do what you have to do in a situation like that.”
The bison enclosure had a snow drift so high against the fence that separates it from Delaware Park that there was only just over a foot of fence showing, an amount which could easily be cleared by the bison. Digging down that snow drift was one of the most strenuous tasks for the team.
As part of its normal winter operations, the zoo maintains indoor enclosures for all their animals, have heated rocks for certain enclosures and often clear pathways through snow for the animals.
While this storm was devastating, it
truly showed the remarkable teamwork and commitment of these members to maintain a safe environment for the animals.
Shortly after the late December blizzard in Erie County, CSEA Zoological Society of Buffalo Local Secretary Sydney Hollasch stands in feet of snow that buried the entrance to one of the animal enclosure at the Buffalo Zoo. (Photo by Kelsey Lowery)
Ice skating rink an oasis for community
MANHATTAN — Skating is back at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in West Harlem and CSEA members are just as happy to spread some joy during the winter.
“I used to come here to skate in my early teens,” said Joshua Tejera, who has been working as a skate guard at the park for more than a year. “One day, I spoke to (CSEA activist) Ricky (Davis) about a job here, filled out the application and got the job.”
Already within one year, Tejera said he has learned to operate the Zamboni, improved his skating skills and met more people in his community.
“This is what this program is all about,” said Davis. “It gives kids from the community an opportunity to work for the state.”
“I like to help other people learn to skate and provide them with a safe and enjoyable time,” said Tejera.
Skating and taking part in the
recreational opportunities afforded by this uptown oasis on the Hudson River have also kept him grounded and focused.
“He’s been coming here a long time,” said Davis. “He’s shown growth and we decided to hire him because he showed us that he was ready.”
“I’ve been working state parks for 30 years and at the skating rink for 20 years,” said Davis. “Currently, I’m the supervisor of the skating complex and a trainer who teachers staff to drive the Zamboni.”
For Davis, a longtime grievance representative and delegate for his local, the skating community has become increasingly diverse over the years.
“Skating is an activity that
has become more popular in communities of color,” said Davis. “I’m grateful that I’m a part of a process that invites the community to take part in these kinds of
Ricky Davis operates the Zamboni at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park skating rink in Manhattan.
February 2023
The Work Force 13
— Madison Ruffo
recreational activities.”
As president of the Hockey
Association of the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Davis gets an extra kick out of replacing the ice.
“One of the satisfactions that I get
from driving the Zamboni is seeing the faces of the kids and patrons when they get on the smooth ice,” said Davis.
— David Galarza