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.
Credit: Photo courtesy Rhetta Minnis at San Antonio Zoo.
When Martinez first started working at the zoo, Rhetta was the lead supervisor for training the conductors. Martinez said