Overview
Work History
Education
Career Summary
Timeline
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Danny Cassaro

Renton,WA

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Commissary Operations Technician

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
04.2023 - Current
  • Independently managed the daily operations of the zoo commissary, ensuring accurate inventory control and timely delivery of all necessary goods to support animal care teams across multiple zoological areas.
  • Coordinated the distribution of animal feed, enrichment items, and essential supplies to various areas of the zoo, maintaining optimal stock levels and meeting species-specific needs.
  • Monitored inventory levels and performed regular audits to maintain accuracy, prevent shortages, and minimize waste, achieving a reduction in excess or wasted stock.
  • Collaborated with animal care staff and veterinarians to ensure that all delivered goods met quality standards and adhered to specific dietary requirements.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective procurement of goods, fostering sustainable sourcing practices.
  • Implemented and maintained efficient inventory tracking systems and delivery schedules, optimizing commissary operations and enhancing support to animal care departments.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards for the safe handling, storage, and delivery of goods.

Zoological Aide

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
06.2022 - 11.2022
  • Assisted with daily management and care of Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater ambassador animals, including feeding, husbandry, diet preparation, and enrichment.
  • Participated in Wild Wonders large-scale theater animal show, including management of sound and practical effects, safe animal handling, pre-show preparation, and post-show cleanup.
  • Communicated with staff biologists and assistant curators to convey concerns regarding supplies, exhibit security, animal health, public safety, and a variety of other topics.
  • Assisted staff with tasks designed to maintain cleanliness and orderliness; including but not limited to cleaning, disinfecting, lawn and grounds care, power washing, construction of items and exhibits, and use of power tools.
  • Carried out daily "Close Encounters" - providing Zoo guests an opportunity to meet ambassador animals up close while practicing effective animal interpretation skills and safe animal handling, all while ensuring safety of animals, staff, and guests.
  • Performed behavioral observations on Wild Wonders animals and communicated with staff biologists and assistant curator and suggested solutions in the case of any discrepancies or problems.
  • Participated in conservation programs such as SSPs designed to support vulnerable species and assist in education and enforcement of other activities related to long term conservation for certain species.

Zookeeper

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
08.2020 - 05.2022
  • Maintained animal health and welfare by performing husbandry, preparing and distributing diets, preparing enrichments, and providing other basic needs to over seventy animal species according to AZA standards and USDA regulations.
  • Observed and recorded animal details such as eating habits, fecal consistency, daily behavior, interaction with enrichment, and any abnormalities to determine physical and behavioral health; reported conditions to appropriate curators and veterinary staff.
  • Participated in behavioral training programs when deemed necessary for animals assigned to my care, as well as behavioral observations and assessments during daily wellbeing checks.
  • Performed weekly water quality chemical tests on aquatic systems and enclosures checking pH balance, turbidity, temperature, salinity, and ammonia and nitrate levels to maintain the health of aquatic and semi aquatic species.
  • Safely participated in animal shifts and catch & restraint procedures when necessary for feeding, safety, or other care related needs.
  • Participated in daily husbandry of enclosure and animal spaces; removed feces on a regular basis and kept enclosures looking neat, clean, and attractive.
  • As a commissary keeper, prepared and distributed diets to animals assigned to my care, monitored eating habits and food levels, reported any feeding changes or abnormalities, and prepared and administered medications, supplements, and vitamins.
  • Helped train and direct new staff members, and attended staff meetings and seminars as required.
  • Assisted daily zoo manager with routine maintenance designed to support the facility such as maintaining structural integrity of enclosures, building new enclosures, making repairs to various facilities, systems, and pieces of equipment, improving living conditions for the animals, and other duties as assigned.
  • Maintained records in ZIMS and provided staff with daily reports regarding animal health and behavior conditions; conducted research regarding animal's natural and individual histories to better write reports and complete animal welfare and behavioral assessments.

Barn Volunteer

Wolf Family Horse Farm
06.2019 - 07.2020
  • Assisted barn staff with daily care of horses to include feeding, mucking stalls, turnout, blanketing, daily enrichments, and other husbandry activities.
  • Kept written records documenting health, well-being, medications, demeanor, grooming treatments, and husbandry practices for six horses representing three different equine species.
  • Maintained neat and orderly riding areas, tack room, feed room, aisles, and grain, hay, and supplement storage areas.
  • Assisted with barn, stall, pen, fence, gate, and pasture maintenance as needed.

Education

Associate of Science - Zoo Animal Technology

Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL
2022

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
2015

Career Summary

Reliable and career-driven animal care professional with proven skills in husbandry, enrichment, and logistical support. Committed to wildlife conservation and passionate about connecting people to nature through meaningful animal care. Experienced in AZA-accredited facilities and eager to contribute to the mission of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park by supporting native species care, naturalistic habitats, and public engagement in the Pacific Northwest.

Timeline

Commissary Operations Technician

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
04.2023 - Current

Zoological Aide

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
06.2022 - 11.2022

Zookeeper

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
08.2020 - 05.2022

Barn Volunteer

Wolf Family Horse Farm
06.2019 - 07.2020

Associate of Science - Zoo Animal Technology

Santa Fe College

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Central Florida

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