In the D.C. region, conversations often start with, “What do you do?” WTOP’s series “ Working Capital ” profiles the people doing the work that makes the region unique. Day in the life of a Great Cats animal keeper at the Smithsonian's National Zoo!

Imagine being face-to-face with 300-plus pound apex predators every day of your life.

“I do forget how unique it is sometimes,” said Charlie Shaw, animal keeper of Big Cats at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “I go home and people are like, ‘What’d you do today?’ Oh, I just fed a tiger. They’re like ‘you fed a tiger!’ People don’t do that!”

Shaw said ever since he got to the zoo over five years ago, working with the majestic creatures in the zoo’s Great Cats wing has been a dream.

“They give you a tour

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