Devin Forey-Vargas
San Antonio,Texas
Summary
Adaptive & thoughtful animal caretaker with 3 years experience working with exotics and an extensive background in animal behavior. Focused on improving animal welfare and positively impacting conservation efforts.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Caretaker
Primarily Primates
04.2023 - 12.2024
- Performed daily husbandry tasks for baboons, macaques, lemurs and avian species
- Executed avian capture and assisted with primate capture for medical examination
- Performed gavage feeding for avian species
- Collected intermittent fecal samples according to safety procedures
- Provided daily specialized care for geriatric primate species.
Animal Handler/Trainer
Happy Tails Entertainment
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Trained naïve/experienced exotic species using positive reinforcement techniques
- Handled exotic species and presented trained behaviors and educational information at various programs/events
- Maintained animal enclosures, enrichment/nutritional needs and administered medications
- Monitored and reported physical and behavioral abnormalities.
Research Assistant
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
05.2020 - 12.2021
- Assessed photographic data for evidence of aggression in wild belugas and orcas
- Coded video data of belugas for behavioral studies of social behavior
- Participated in beluga social structure/life history/habitat use citizen science
- Participated in citizen science projects for beluga and European mink species.
Behavioral Technician
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Trained marmoset behavioral tasks using positive reinforcement methods
- Categorized marmoset behaviors using ethogram software
- Analyzed marmoset relationships and social behaviors
- Maintained marmoset locomotion data and records in computerized database.
Kennel Technician
Home Away From Home Kennels
03.2015 - 08.2016
- Administered feline and canine medications/vaccinations
- Prepared dietary needs
- Maintained animal enclosures
- Observed, noted, and reported behavior abnormalities.
Education
BS - Biology, Zoology
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
San Antonio, TX08.2021
AS - General Science
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TX12.2018
Skills
- Animal behavior/training
- Animal health and welfare
- Educational planning/outreach
Accomplishments
- Fostering Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduate Potential (FIRE UP) Scholarship 2018
- Psi Chi the International Honor Society in Psychology member 2019
- FIREUP and Student Research Symposium oral presenter 2018 and 2019
Timeline
Animal Caretaker
Primarily Primates
04.2023 - 12.2024
Animal Handler/Trainer
Happy Tails Entertainment
11.2021 - 08.2022
Research Assistant
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
05.2020 - 12.2021
Behavioral Technician
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
01.2018 - 01.2020
Kennel Technician
Home Away From Home Kennels
03.2015 - 08.2016
BS - Biology, Zoology
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
AS - General Science
Northwest Vista College
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