Zoo Keeper - Senior I Animal Care Specialist

For the last 20 years my professional life has been filled with a wonderful array of amazing animals. I've been a zoo keeper since 2001 and for the last 15 years, I've worked with Rhinos.

However, in May of 2022, I stepped away from Zookeeping as a career in order to pivot to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. Now, from the outside, Data Analytics might seem to be a complete career change from Animal Care Specialist. However, in the process of learning the specific skills to work with data, I have found it to be something I was already drawn to within the zoo field, as it is heavily based in science and is full of data with which to work. From behavioral ethograms, to monitoring dietary consumptions, to tracking health concerns, and even coordinating species populations based on genetics or labor studies that affect the health and wellbeing of keepers, I have spent the last 15 years gathering, analyzing, visualizing and presenting insights to management, peers, and even at professional conferences. Finding and engaging with data has been one of the most rewarding parts of my zookeeping career and, as the physical and daily ins-and-outs of the field began to weigh heavier, I sought out a path that is turning out to be more familiar than I expected, while also providing a new challenge I find both exciting and refreshing.

Photographer

I've been taking photos ever since my parents put my old Olympus Om-1 in my hands. Growing up I worked in 35mm and over time have made the switch to digital.  I currently use a Canon 7D Mark II and a Canon 6D (my first full frame!) I also recently acquired my first L-series lens. 

Crafter

My mother is a quilter and taught me the basics.  Since then I have worked on my sewing skills and have broadened to costumes, fashion and craft sewing.  There is a wonderful cosplay community out there and we celebrate our geek-ery together.  

Traveler

I have been exceptionally fortunate to have a family that instilled a love of travel from early childhood. I've been to the four corners of the US as well as visits to Europe and Africa.  Wanderlust is in my blood and I look forward to the next time my steps lead me away from home.