Rhetta Minnis is planning to move back to San Francisco.
SAN ANTONIO — After 20 years of working at San Antonio Zoo, Rhetta Minnis is hanging up her train conductor hat.
Rhetta has been working with the zoo train since 2005, creating lasting memories with children, visitors and coworkers, but after Sunday Rhetta will enter the world of retirement.
Her longtime friend and coworker Mark Martinez, 28, has worked with Rhetta since he was 18 years old but met the beloved train conductor as a child – sparking the idea behind his dream job.
“I’ve known her since I was a little, so I was like, ‘oh I want to come and drive the train with Rhetta,'” Martinez said laughing.
When Martinez first started working at the zoo, Rhetta was the lead supervisor for training the conductors. Martinez said he has very fond memories of Rhetta as she helped him advance his career and become a great engineer.
“Ever since then, we’ve been good friends,” Martinez said.
Rhetta said she decided to retire as she is planning to move back to San Francisco but she will miss gearing up for a fun-filled day at San Antonio Zoo.
“This is the only job I’ve ever had that I loved,” Rhetta said. “It has really been wonderful in my opinion. At least for me, this is the greatest job of all.”
Rhetta said that while she is leaving a beloved job and city she will cherish her memories.
“It feels a little strange because I’ve been her for so long. But all I can say is I’m so grateful to my manger Kat, to the zoo and the zoo management for giving me the opportunity to work her for over 18 years. I’ve loved every minute of it,” Rhetta said.
