Dolphin Gives Birth at Shedd Aquarium with the Help of Another Dolphin

Miley Cyrus, born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her evolving artistry and dynamic public image. She first gained prominence as a child star playing Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel series *Hannah Montana* (2006–2011), which established her as a teen idol and launched a lucrative franchise with multiple number-one soundtracks[2]. Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. She began her solo music career with albums like *Meet Miley Cyrus* (2007) and *Breakout* (2008), producing hits such as "Party in the U.S.A.," which achieved 14-times platinum certification in the U.S.[2]. Over the years, she has experimented with various musical styles, from pop rock to hip hop and R&B, notably with her chart-topping album *Bangerz* (2013), featuring the No. 1 single "Wrecking Ball"[2]. Her subsequent albums include *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz* (2015), *Younger Now* (2017), *Plastic Hearts* (2020), and *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023)[2]. Miley Cyrus has received critical acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance in 2024 for her hit "Flowers," and Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2025 for her collaboration with Beyoncé on “II Most Wanted”[1][2]. She has also served as a coach on the television show *The Voice* and is recognized for her advocacy on animal rights and her influential role in popular music and culture[5]. Her most recent work includes the 2025 visual album and musical film *Something Beautiful*, continuing her trend of artistic reinvention and broadening her impact in the entertainment industry[2].

Zoo staff are a diverse group of professionals dedicated to the care, management, and conservation of animals in zoological settings. Their roles range from direct animal care to education, research, and administration, all aimed at ensuring animal welfare, public education, and species conservation. The most visible members are zookeepers (also called animal keepers), who are responsible for the daily care of animals, including preparing specialized diets, feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and assisting veterinarians with medical procedures[1][4][8]. Zookeepers also play a key role in animal enrichment—designing activities that stimulate natural behaviors—and in training animals for husbandry and veterinary care, which improves both animal welfare and keeper safety[1][6]. Beyond zookeepers, zoo staff include veterinarians and veterinary technicians, who oversee the health of the animal collection and maintain medical records[2]. Animal curators manage specific groups of animals (such as mammals or birds) and oversee breeding programs and collection planning. Conservation biologists and zoologists contribute scientific expertise, often participating in field research and global conservation initiatives[2]. Other roles include registrars (who manage animal records and permits), aquarists (specializing in aquatic species), exhibit designers, and education officers who develop programs for visitors and schools[2][5]. Senior leadership, such as the zoo director, is responsible for overall operations, strategic planning, and ensuring the institution’s mission is met[2]. Zoo staff are increasingly recognized for their contributions to wildlife conservation, both within zoos and through partnerships with field projects. They often engage in public education, offering talks, tours, and demonstrations to raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation challenges[1][4]. Recent years have seen a growing emphasis on animal welfare standards, the use of positive reinforcement training, and the integration of zoo-based research with global conservation efforts. Staff may also respond to emerging issues such as disease outbreaks, requiring close collaboration with veterinary and conservation networks. The work is physically demanding and requires specialized knowledge, patience, and a commitment to animal welfare. While the core responsibilities—feeding, cleaning, observing, and record-keeping—remain foundational, the role of zoo staff continues to evolve with advances in animal care, public engagement, and conservation science[1][4][6]. Their efforts ensure that modern zoos function as centers for education, species preservation, and wildlife advocacy.