[exco_element_embed id=5b685bd0-050f-4f48-b7dc-77e8076ef529 player_id=b339bedc-b28d-46b1-9ffd-825b0230be3c video_url=https://large-cdn.ex.co/transformations-account/production/104cb03e-69d0-4137-bc4f-4a11b6dc6825/5b685bd0-050f-4f48-b7dc-77e8076ef529/720p.mp4 title="Live a day in the life of a Smithsonian Zoo bird caretaker" image="https://cdn.ex.co/transformations-account/production/104cb03e-69d0-4137-bc4f-4a11b6dc6825/5b685bd0-050f-4f48-b7dc-77e8076ef529/thumbnail-720.webp" align=right] In the D.C. region, conversations often start with, “What do you do?” WTOP’s new series “Working Capital” profiles the people doing the work that makes the D.C. region unique.

In Tuesday’s “Working Capital” episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax went to the Smithsonian National Zoo to pose as a bird caretaker for a morning.

You might remember a previous episode of “Matt About Town,” where we met Parker, the shy flamingo who has taken to her human keepers, even attending zoo staff meetings, as she adjusts to life in the flock.

Through that story, Matt met Eric Slovak, assistant curator of all birds, not just flamingos, at the zoo.

His job is definitely one of the most interesting (and important) in the area!

Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!

If you have a story idea you’d like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on Instagram and TikTok.

Check out all “Matt About Town” episodes here!