Let’s meet Jennifer! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’ve known that I wanted to work with animals since I was a very young child, and I had a wonderful father who took me to the Denver Zoo almost every weekend and taught me all about the different species. My favorite was the cassowary. He made sure I always saw those “dinos”, and now, as an adult, I have tremendous appreciation for them and have a cassowary buddy, Neville. He is quite the dancer! My favorite animal by far has been the tiger Both as a kid and now as an adult. I admired their beauty, intelligence, minds, and fantastic power, and was known to tell everyone I would work with cats someday. That is how I ended up at ABI. I wanted to focus on working with big cats in a sanctuary setting who are deemed unreleasable and suffer from trauma. I aim to advance ethology and develop more effective methods for recognizing zoochosis in cats, as well as enhance communication techniques to ensure the animals in my care feel safe and content. Currently, I work with clients who have domestic cats and other pets in their homes, and I am starting a new volunteering position at the wild animal sanctuary in Keenesburg Colorado, hoping to work my way up the ranks.
How did you benefit from your experience at ABI?
The most beneficial aspect of my time at ABI during my CAFTP, CFTBS, and CZASP was the comprehensive classwork, which enabled me to gain a thorough understanding of the animal’s health, behaviors, and the importance of nutrition, as well as proper husbandry techniques to ensure safe animal care. It also sparked a passion in me for the educational side of zookeeping that was not initially my focus.
What was your favorite course?
Animal minds and emotions, education, and conservation
How did you complete your field experience?
My own business, caring for pets throughout the community, with health, socialization, introductions, and foster recommendations.
What have you been doing since you graduated from ABI?
Started volunteering at the wild animal sanctuary in Keenesburg Colorado.
Would you recommend ABI to others?
The professors are fantastic and genuinely care about the student’s success, allowing your passion to flourish. The coursework is based on real-world applications that can be translated into a position in the chosen field.