Longtime Army North Quadrangle animal caretaker has unique responsibilities

Adam Quintero rises every morning before the chickens, literally.

Before the rooster at Fort Sam’s historic Quadrangle has the chance to “cock-a-doodle-doo,” Quintero has already begun making his rounds.

His first task of the day – and his favorite – is feeding the animals.

Timid deer lurk yards away while the peacocks, turkeys, ducks and aforementioned rooster flock to the feeding station in anticipation. He gives them a warm good morning as he throws out feed, almost like a parent sitting down for breakfast with their children, because for Quintero these animals have become family. 

“We’re all in a group of love,” Quintero said. “We should show it to both humans and animals and let nature take its course.”

Being an animal caretaker wasn’t the career path Quintero always had in mind. He recalls as a child not really knowing what he wanted to be, but being grateful for a chance interaction more than 40 years ago.

He was working at Brooke General Hospital – now known as Brooke Army Medical Center – as a laboratory technician when he met an Army master sergeant with a unique job: animal caretaker at the Quadrangle. The sergeant was soon to be reassigned and asked Quintero if he would like to take over his job.

Quintero – who had never heard of the Quadrangle – paid a visit, applied for the job and for four decades has never thought of doing anything else.

His days consist of duties aimed at protecting the animals; pond maintenance, keeping them out of the trash and tending to isolation cages. On unfortunate occasions his routine includes caring for sick and injured animals.

“When something happens to them or they’re not right I’m concerned, said Quintero. “I have to do something. I have to step in and I’ll do everything within my means to help correct it. When they hurt, I hurt. ”

Prior to becoming a hospital lab tech    Quintero served in the Army for seven years. The Vietnam vet recalls how he depended on his fellow soldiers for survival in Vietnam, is how he depends on the animals of the Quad to survive today.

“It’s a therapy so to speak,” he said. “They’re here for me and vice versa I’m here for them. Put those together and you get a beautiful feeling.”

Quintero says the joy his animal family brings should be shared by all.

“It is a gift that everyone that should come out here and enjoy,” he said. “Whether they like to come and just visit the animals or come to the museum they should come enjoy it.”