What job requires someone to be an entertainer, dietician, housekeeper, veterinarian, public speaker, psychologist and playmate? For zookeepers across the nation, it's all in a day's work. In recognition of these beloved heroes, Microsoft Corp. kicked off this week the "Zoo Tycoon" Ultimate Zookeeper campaign, searching for America's pre-eminent zookeeper. Zoo and animal lovers across the country can visit http://www.zootycoon.com/ to vote for one of 12 semifinalists chosen by Microsoft. The five zookeepers with the most votes will compete in the "Zoo Tycoon" Ultimate Zookeeper challenge in November, and the winner's home zoo will receive a $20,000 donation from Microsoft. "Zookeepers are the lifeblood of any zoo," said Chuck Frizelle, "Zoo Tycoon" product manager at Microsoft. "The 'Zoo Tycoon' Ultimate Zookeeper campaign is a fun, entertaining and inspiring way to recognize and thank keepers for their countless contributions to proper animal care."

The campaign invites animal fans everywhere to visit http://www.zootycoon.com/ to discover the capabilities and conservation efforts of the semifinalists and see them pictured with their special zoo animal. The five zookeepers garnering the most votes will compete in the final "Zoo Tycoon" Ultimate Zookeeper challenge to be held at one of the five finalists' home zoos Nov. 14. The final challenge will highlight the zookeepers' abilities and their conservation platforms. Activities will include building the ultimate zoo in the PC game "Zoo Tycoon" and a brief presentation on how the contenders would use the winning donation to enhance their home zoo. Along with the prestigious title of America's Ultimate Zookeeper, the complete prize package includes a $20,000 donation to fund habitat and animal care efforts in the winner's home zoo and the opportunity to have the winner's likeness appear in the "Zoo Tycoon" game.