Zookeepers copying critters a web hit

A West Australian zookeeper is encouraging his industry peers to do something very silly.

Peel Zoo's David Cobbold and colleagues have been having a chuckle embracing the #zookeepersasanimals social media movement, taking snaps of themselves posing as lazy wombats, sleepy koalas and even a mob of kangaroos.

The trend has proved a big hit on Facebook and Twitter, with zookeepers around the world taking time out to see how well they can mimic the poses and expressions of the critters under their care.

Mr Cobbold says the photography sessions are a great team-building exercise and urges other zoos to hold their own.

"Zookeepers are a pretty dedicated lot, so it's been great to have a break from duties to just have a laugh," he told AAP.

Mr Cobbold is also a keen participant in the "zookeepers sans frontiers" movement, visiting more than 20 zoos around the country and overseas with his wife Narelle to pick up trade tips.

It's a two-way street, with Peel Zoo providing information to comrades at Bali Zoo to help them foster their growing native Australian animal collection.

"When your main concern is the welfare of animals, you tend not to see state and national borders.

"As far as I can tell, all zookeepers are the same.

"They just want to help each other to help the animals in their care."