Jenna Lynch
Monrovia,California
Summary
I have been in the zoo field for just over 13 years. My background covers a wide variety of taxa at many levels of husbandry. Carnivores, most specifically felids, have remained my consistent specialty. In college my final project was study tiger genetics and reproductive behavior. Now in the field of exotics I have continued to study, care for, and work toward the conservation of the felid family. The species I have worked with throughout my felid career include: serval, ocelot, caracal, cheetah, amur leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, and tiger.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Keeper, Primate Carnivore
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
11.2019 - Current
- Trained to care for dangerous carnivore species such as Jaguar, Tiger, Snow Leopard, and Ocelot
- Introduction of breeding Snow Leopards & Ocelots
- Positive reinforcement training for voluntary medical procedures with jaguar species
- Operant conditioning and behavioral observation for multiple primate species
- Diet preparation, feeding, and enrichment for new and old world monkeys, felines, and exotic hoofstock
- Cross-trained on the Langur, Jaguar, Tiger, River Otter, and South American Primate sections.
Owner and Animal Outreach and Education Supervisor
Friends of a Feather: Subcontractor
06.2017 - 04.2020
- Experience with hand-rearing several species of birds of prey and domestic dogs
- Use of operant conditioning training techniques to develop behaviors including abatement training
- Daily record keeping, diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for raptors and dogs
- Coordinate outreach, education programs, and fundraising events for local residents and school children in partnership with Major League Soccer Los Angeles Football Club Foundation (MLS LAFCF)
- Live performances, demonstrations, and speeches with raptors and dogs
- Business management tasks including financial, scheduling, and communication with other institutions.
Animal Keeper
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
01.2016 - 06.2017
- Introduction of breeding African Painted Dogs
- Positive Reinforcement training for medical procedures with Amur Leopard
- Daily care, feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for a variety of species
- Observed and recorded behavior and activity; reported abnormalities to supervisors and veterinarians
- Experienced in training, assessing, and interacting with large carnivores, hoof-stock, and birds
- Designed training and public demonstration programs for Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill and African Painted Dogs
- Trained to operate heavy machinery such as a JCB tractor.
Animal Keeper, Researcher, Conservation Education Tour Guide
Safari West
06.2011 - 01.2016
- Helped design breeding plan for cheetahs
- Handler for free contact Ambassador Cheetahs during harnessed walks and both leashed and unleash guest interactions
- Monitored and cared for breeding servals, caracals and fennec foxes
- Studied and worked with both parent reared and human reared: servals, fennec foxes, and caracals
- Cared for and situated orphaned snow leopards and jaguars on their way to feline sanctuary
- Collaborated with multiple departments to implement welfare requirements for wildlife
- Conducted an ethological study with a Caracal housed at Safari West
- Responsible for the safety and happiness of park guests and animals while participating in ambassador cheetahs and hoof-stock encounters
- Trained to safely operate large passenger vehicles.
Animal Keeper Intern
Oakland Zoo
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Daily care including feeding, cleaning, training, and enrichment for several primate species
- Helped design and implement the ethological study of hamadryas baboons.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Biology, Concentration in Zoology -
University of California, Santa Barbara
06.2014
Skills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Calm Under Pressure
- Decision-Making
- Problem Resolution
Affiliations
- American Association of Zoo Keepers 2014-Present
- Living Desert Zoo AAZK President 2017
- Animal Behavior Management Alliance 2014-2015
Timeline
Animal Keeper, Primate Carnivore
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
11.2019 - Current
Owner and Animal Outreach and Education Supervisor
Friends of a Feather: Subcontractor
06.2017 - 04.2020
Animal Keeper
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
01.2016 - 06.2017
Animal Keeper Intern
Oakland Zoo
01.2015 - 05.2015
Animal Keeper, Researcher, Conservation Education Tour Guide
Safari West
06.2011 - 01.2016
Bachelors of Science in Biology, Concentration in Zoology -
University of California, Santa Barbara
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