Zookeeper Academy

Carly is an animal keeper assistant who works both with carnivores and in the Forest+Wetlands habitat,

What’s your education/experience?

I graduated from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, FL with my Associate of Science in Zoo Animal Technology. Then I came to Trek for an internship, and when it finished I was offered a seasonal job in animal care. I worked part-time for about three years before being offered my current position.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

I wanted to help make sure that animals in zoos were provided the best possible care, and to get the public to care about conservation and the importance of zoos.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Take every opportunity you can to volunteer or intern at a variety of animal institutions! You will probably do unpaid work for a while. This field is extremely competitive, so the more internships under your belt, the better your chances of landing your dream job.

Wendi is a keeper in the Forest+Wetlands habitat.

What’s your education/experience?

I have a Bachelor of Wildlife Science from the School of Forestry at the University of Washington. Doing field assistant work as a work-study at UW helped me get experience, as well as volunteering at the Oregon Zoo in high school.

Do you have a specialty?

I’m particularly interested in raptors and bats.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

I enjoy caring for animals and sharing wildlife with visitors.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Persevere! Many people want to work with animals, but few are willing to work for minimal pay for years and do the tedious and dirty work that is the reality of the job.

Haley is a keeper for carnivores.

What’s your education/experience?

I have a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, but while in college I did an animal care internship here at Trek. That led to a part-time, then full-time keeper position. The volunteer hours I spent as an intern gave me valuable experience that helped me get hired and start my career.

Do you have a specialty?

I care for all the carnivores, but I’m working to become an expert in felids (cats).

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

Getting the chance to interact with these incredible species every day, to teach them something new and learn from them as well, is the most rewarding job I can imagine. Being a zookeeper is so much more than cleaning up after animals. When you spend the time developing your own skills in enrichment, training, exhibit design and husbandry, you can really make a positive impact on these animals.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Volunteer with animal facilities like zoos, the Humane Society, vet clinics, horse stables or even farms. You will learn so much and find out what it is that really motivates you to work with animals.

Dave is a keeper in the Free-Roaming Area.

What’s your education/experience?

I have an Associate of Applied Science degree and spent lots of time as a seasonal Trek employee before my full-time position. I also worked part-time with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which was good experience.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

I wanted to work closely with native wildlife.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Get your degree and get as much experience as possible, both volunteer and paid.

Deanna is a keeper in the Free-Roaming Area, a licensed veterinary technician, and leads Keeper Adventure Tours.

What’s your education/experience?

I have an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

Do you have a specialty?

I love working with ruminates.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

I’ve always wanted to work around animals. I’ve wanted to make animals’ lives better since I was very young.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer while you are in school. Get good grades so you have your choice of college. Read animal training and behavior books. And read up on the natural history of animals.

Miranda is a keeper for forest and wetlands animals.

What’s your education/experience?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington in Zoology. I first volunteered and worked at Woodland Park Zoo. To further my experience, I completed an internship at Northwest Trek in 2009 and was hired as a seasonal keeper later that year. After three years as a seasonal keeper, I knew it was a place I could work for the rest of my career. In fall 2012 I accepted a full time Animal keeper position at Northwest Trek.

Do you have a specialty?

I feel lucky to work with a wide variety of animals, so consider myself more of a generalist.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

After volunteering as an animal care volunteer at another zoo, I realized how much I enjoyed the work. It is non-stop active work, with never-ending challenges that keep us on our toes. As keepers, we act as an advocate for the animals under our care and we really take a holistic approach to that. It’s not just picking up poop, feeding, and making sure they have the essentials. It is like being an animal detective, anticipating their needs, adjusting their care as they move through life stages or illness.  Animal keepers strive to have animals be their unique, wild selves, so that their time with us has the greatest impact on our mission: inspiring people to care and take action to conserve their local wildlife.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Get your foot in the door and stick with it. It is a competitive field so take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t give up on your passion.

What’s your education/experience?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. While in college, I volunteered at WSU’s raptor rehabilitation facility as well as their wild ungulate facility. After college I spent two years working as a veterinary assistant before coming to Trek as an intern. After interning for about a year I accepted a part-time position which eventually led to the full-time position I currently have.

Do you have a specialty?

I care for all of the wetland and raptor species. I previously worked with felids (cats) which are a favorite of mine, but I am passionate about all the species I care for.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

Caring for animals has always been my main focus in life. This career allows me to interact with and care for amazing animals every day and in addition, I have the chance to educate the public on why every species is important. When I go to work I feel like I am making a difference.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

Getting into this field takes patience and perseverance. Experience is key, so take any opportunity you can that involves animals whether it is paid or volunteer work. It is very likely that you will be working with no pay for some period of time. Everyone’s journey is different getting into this field. Don’t give up!