Felicity Harris
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Palmetto,FL
7
years of professional experience
Skilled Animal Care Professional with expertise in habitat maintenance, animal enrichment, and behavior observation. Provides high-quality care for diverse species while ensuring safety compliance and organizational standards. Specializes in animal handling and nutrition, contributing to team success and enhancing public engagement through educational outreach and animal welfare initiatives.
Work History
BIOLOGIST 1
2 Years 2 Months- Completed daily husbandry tasks by maintaining live exhibit holding systems and quarantine facilities.
- Provided comprehensive care for diverse avian species, reptiles, and freshwater and marine fish.
- Delivered animal treatments to maintain marine animal health standards and support ongoing health management.
- Supported aquarium life support system operation through regular checks and upkeep. Helped maintain clean, stable water conditions through backwashing and water-change tasks. Monitored system components to keep equipment ready for service.
- Maintained animal records through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system for accurate tracking.
- Monitored and upheld AZA inspection readiness standards for exhibit service holding and backup areas.
- Independently planned, built, and implemented exhibit improvements and required modifications.
- Implemented behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals to support safe handling and routine care.
- Prepared diet and administered feedings to maintain consistent nutrition and routine.
- Reviewed animal diet plans and adjusted feeding recommendations to support optimal nutrition, health, and wellbeing.
- Developed training programs with defined training goals, standardized techniques, and clear protocols to strengthen animal care and management practices.
- Managed volunteer communication and served as primary point of contact for volunteer operations.
- Delivered structured on-site instruction covering animal husbandry practices, handling safety protocols, and facility procedures for volunteers and staff.
- Identified and resolved project and task obstacles within team setting.
SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION ADVANCED VOLUNTEER
3 Years 2 Months- Execute the rehabilitation of sea turtles/hatchlings through direct animal care by fish preparations, feeding, tank maintenance, sterilization, medical procedures, physical exams, water quality, logging diets/medications in TRACKS, behavior monitoring and patient enrichment
- Responded to strandings and performed live in-takes during monthly on-call shifts, ensuring timely care for stranded sea turtles.
- Assisted with necropsy procedures by documenting findings and performing necessary tasks
- Assist with necropsy by documentations and performing
- Trained new volunteers and interns on protocols, animal safety, and health, enhancing team preparedness and patient care.
RESCUE TEAM VOLUNTEER
5 Years 3 Months- Supported cetacean rehabilitation through ethograms, logging respiration rates, conducting behavioral observations, monitoring water quality, preparing fish, and maintaining facility cleanliness.
- Assisted in wildlife rescue operations for manatees, sea turtles, and river otters as a first responder for Manatee, Sea Turtles, Cetaceans and North American River Otter
- Protected marine environments by organizing and participating in local beach cleanups awareness to ocean trash and pollution through local beach cleanups
- Facilitated public outreach events educating communities on strandings and conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles.
ASSOCIATE ZOOLOGICAL SPECIALIST
8 Months- Provided daily care for diverse bird and kangaroo species through habitat maintenance, feeding, and record-keeping of diets, medical treatments, and behaviors.
- Created daily enrichment and training programs to enhance mental and physical stimulation for animals.
- Maintained daily records using TRACKS software
- Maintaining companies AZA and USDA standards
- Ensured compliance with AZA and USDA standards in animal care and habitat management.
- Assisted in constructing animal enclosures and enrichment features
- Assistant in building enclosures and enrichment
- Educating and interacting with guest/campers, public presentations and tours of animals on habitat
ANIMAL CARE & COMMISSARY VOLUNTEER
1 Year 7 Months- Managed water quality, maintenance systems, tank cleaning, and sterilization while providing exceptional rehabilitation care to each patient in a clean work environment
- Running water quality, maintenance systems, tank cleaning and sterilization, provide excellent care of rehabilitation to each patient while maintaining a clean work environment
- Trained on Marine Turtle Permit, water quality, turtle handbook, and zoonotic diseases.
- Followed rules and safety regulations of the organization while completing assigned tasks.
HUSBANDRY VOLUNTEER
1 Year 9 Months- Maintained exhibits and prepared daily feedings, administered vitamins, and recorded feeding schedules for five species of aquatic birds, Southern and Cownose stingrays, reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish
- Developed independent work skills by successfully completing tasks without supervision.
- Guided guests through exhibits, sharing animal facts and reinforcing conservation messages.
- Supported guest services by answering questions and directing visitors to amenities and programs.
- Monitored exhibit areas for safety concerns and reported issues promptly to staff.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MARINE BIOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE
Skills
Animal Handling
Record Keeping
Habitat maintenance
Animal Nutrition
Animal Training
Public outreach
Animal Enrichment
Diet Formulation
Behavior Modification
Strong Communication
Teamwork
Safety compliance
Public Education
Detail Oriented
Timeline
BIOLOGIST 1
The Florida Aquarium
08.2024 - CurrentRead More
ASSOCIATE ZOOLOGICAL SPECIALIST
Busch Gardens
12.2023 - 08.2024Read More
SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION ADVANCED VOLUNTEER
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
08.2023 - CurrentRead More
ANIMAL CARE & COMMISSARY VOLUNTEER
The Florida Aquarium- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
05.2022 - 12.2023Read More
RESCUE TEAM VOLUNTEER
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
07.2021 - CurrentRead More
HUSBANDRY VOLUNTEER
The Newport Aquarium
09.2019 - 06.2021Read More
Unity Environmental University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE from MARINE BIOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE
Read More