Zookeeper Academy

Carly Cerulli 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 Mello 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.

Ed Cleveland is the head keeper in the Free-Roaming Area.

What’s your education/experience?

I got my degree in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri (many years ago). I spent a couple of years working as a wildlife biological aide in Idaho, studying elk, moose and deer in the Caribou National Forest. Next I worked in hoofstock for the St. Louis Zoo for two years, then came to Northwest Trek and worked in the core area for 17 years, then in Free-Roaming Area for about 10 years before being head keeper.

Do you have a specialty?

Hoofstock, specifically moose, deer, elk and caribou, with sheep, bison and goats.

Why did you want to be a zookeeper?

Honestly, at first I never thought I would be a zookeeper. When I needed a job and couldn’t find anything else with animals except the St. Louis Zoo, I applied. I was amazed at the changes zoos were making and how much research was happening. After 34 years here at Trek, I still love what I get to do.

Any advice for aspiring zookeepers?

First, decide if it’s really what you want. It’s low pay, you work in all kinds of weather, every weekend, late shifts and holidays when you first start. But if you love caring for animals and telling everyone about it, then this is the job for you. Get experience wherever you can – 4H, vet clinics, zoos. Be prepared to move around, be patient, work hard and you will get to be a zookeeper too!

Haley Withers 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 Meadows 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 Edwards 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.