Ellyssa Kwasney

• Provide daily husbandry for a diverse collection including sharks, rays, penguins, teleost fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
• Prepared specialized diets and monitored feeding behaviors to ensure optimal health of diverse species.
• Prepare specialized diets and monitor feeding behaviors.
• Observed animal health and behavior, documented changes, and communicated findings with aquarists and veterinary staff to support timely interventions.
• Perform exhibit maintenance and assist with water quality monitoring.
• Educated guests on marine life, conservation, and animal adaptations, enhancing visitor engagement and promoting AZA standards of animal care.

• Conduct positive reinforcement training for routine husbandry behaviors.
• Design and evaluate species-appropriate enrichment.
• Perform daily husbandry, behavioral observations, and welfare assessments for mammals, birds, and reptiles.
• Assist with veterinary procedures and health assessments.
• Maintain detailed animal records using ZIMS.
• Present educational programs and interact with guests.
• Promoted from Wildlife Keeper Intern.

• Recorded behavioral observations and monitored animal health.
• Worked alongside aquarists and veterinary staff to maintain animal welfare.
• Assisted with daily husbandry including feeding, exhibit cleaning, and water quality testing.
• Assisted with conservation education and guest engagement.
• Followed AZA animal care and safety standards.

• Developed and implemented training programs for new staff and shift leaders.
• Managed daily operations for teams of 5–9 employees.
• Supervised employees while maintaining high customer service standards.
• Enhanced communication skills through team collaboration and feedback.

Expected Graduation: May 2027

• Relevant Coursework
• Conservation Biology
• Animal Behavior
• Animal Nutrition
• Exotic Animal Management
• Reptile and Amphibian Conservation