Ashlynn Toles
Farmington Hills,MI
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in animal care and habitat management, using specialized knowledge in animal behavior and welfare to create thriving environments. Committed to fostering a safe and enriching atmosphere that promotes the well-being of both animals and staff.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Care Specialist
Howell Nature Center
Howell, MI
11.2022 - Current
- Administer and prepare specialized diets for animals to ensure optimal health.
- Maintain animal enclosures.
- Administer medication to animals to support recovery and maintain health.
- Educate the public about animals in our care and their impacts on our environment through keeper talks
- Develop enrichment tools to enhance animal development and well-being.
- Collaborate with veterinary teams
- Utilize operant conditioning training to effectively shape and reinforce specific animal behaviors.
- Guide interns through essential daily husbandry duties to ensure proper animal care and management.
Seasonal Bird Department Keeper
Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak, MI
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Administered bird feeding protocols based on dietary specifications.
- Maintained cleanliness of bird enclosures and adjacent areas
- Executed minor landscaping tasks to enhance and preserve bird habitats.
- Monitored and recorded atypical avian behavior and physical conditions.
- Developed enrichment tools to enhance animal development and well-being.
- Supported health monitoring efforts through the execution of feather-clipping and other routine checks.
- Updated daily record and maintenance processes.
Avain Care Intern
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Augusta, MI
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Performed regular upkeep and sanitation of bird enclosures to promote animal health and welfare.
- Administered and prepared specialized diets for avian species.
- Facilitated execution of health examinations to ensure patient well-being.
- Developed new animal enclosures to improve animal welfare and visitor experience.
- Conducted glove training sessions with resident red-tailed hawk, Toby, to enhance handling skills.
- Operated store POS system to efficiently process customer transactions.
Pet Care/Retail Attendant
PetSmart
Various Locations
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Resolved customer inquiries and ensured merchandise availability on shelves.
- Executed transaction processing on store POS system with accuracy and efficiency.
- Executed thorough cleaning of fish tanks and animal cages to promote animal health and welfare.
- Guided customers through pet adoption procedures to enhance satisfaction and ensure successful placements.
- Administered medication and provided care to animals, ensuring their health and well-being.
Safari Camp Aide
Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak, MI
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Aided instructors with teaching lessons to the campers
- Facilitated learning opportunities for campers through hands-on workshops, interactive games, or educational presentations on relevant topics such as nature conservation.
- Assisted in preparing recreational materials and supplies for each activity.
- Managed conflicts among campers using effective mediation techniques, fostering resolution and improved interpersonal relationships within the group.
- Took campers on instructional hikes around the zoo
- Collaborated with team members to develop and implement hands-on activities for children.
Retail Attendant
Marshalls/HomeGoods
West Bloomfield, MI
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted customers with and stocked merchandise
- Conducted daily cash reconciliation for the store
- Rung up transactions on the store’s POS system
Retail Attendant
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
East Lansing, MI
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Assisted customers with and stocked merchandise
- Rung up transactions on the store’s POS system
- Performed opening and closing store duties
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology/Zoology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2022
High School Diploma -
North Farmington High School
Farmington Hills, MI06-2017
Skills
- Animal care expertise
- Knowledge of animal management
- Behavior observation
- Animal training
- Problem-solving
- Adaptable
- Verbal communication
- Ability to multitask
- Microsoft Office
AWARDS
Dean’s List / Michigan State University, December 2017 and May 2020
Timeline
Seasonal Bird Department Keeper
Detroit Zoo
05.2024 - 08.2024
Wildlife Care Specialist
Howell Nature Center
11.2022 - Current
Pet Care/Retail Attendant
PetSmart
08.2021 - 11.2022
Avain Care Intern
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
06.2021 - 08.2021
Retail Attendant
Marshalls/HomeGoods
09.2020 - 05.2021
Retail Attendant
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
09.2019 - 03.2020
Safari Camp Aide
Detroit Zoo
06.2019 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology/Zoology
Michigan State University
High School Diploma -
North Farmington High School