Jeremy Wilcheck
LOUISVILLE,KY
Summary
Experienced wildlife care specialist dedicated to delivering exceptional animal care across diverse environments. Passionate about promoting health and ensuring optimal wellness by providing high-quality support. Meticulous in observing animals and effectively communicating concerns to optimize their care. Committed to maintaining the well-being of animals through comprehensive and compassionate practices.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bird Keeper II
The Louisville Zoo
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinated with colleagues to develop effective strategies for addressing behavioral problems or socialization challenges among the aviary's inhabitants.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to ensure timely treatment and care for sick or injured birds.
- Enhanced avian well-being by implementing proper diet plans and administering medications as needed.
- Handled birds safely during routine procedures like banding or physical examinations following established protocols.
- Developed strong relationships with other bird keepers to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for avian care.
- Assisted in successful breeding programs by monitoring mating pairs and providing appropriate nesting materials.
- Effectively managed time and resources to complete daily tasks while also being available for emergency situations as they arose.
- Increased public awareness of avian conservation issues by participating in outreach events and educational programs.
- Improved bird habitat conditions through regular cleaning, maintenance, and enrichment activities.
- Collaborated with external partners like rehabilitation centers or wildlife sanctuaries on rescue missions or translocating birds between facilities.
- Educated visitors about various bird species, their natural habitats, and conservation efforts through engaging presentations and demonstrations.
- Maintained detailed records of individual bird behavior, medical history, and breeding success.
- Assisted in the acquisition and quarantine process for new birds entering the facility, ensuring a smooth transition into their new environment.
- Monitored overall facility security measures to protect both the animals'' well-being as well as maintaining a safe environment for staff members.
Elephant Keeper II
The Louisville Zoo
02.2021 - 08.2024
- Perform all daily routines and tasks related to the care and welfare of the animals in our area, including elephant foot work and ear blood draws. Species include African Elephant, Asian Elephant, Southern White Rhinoceros, and Dromedary Camels.
- Train animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands using trust-based, positive reinforcement training methods.
- Develop and implement enrichment and exercise plans to keep animals healthy, stimulated and active.
- Prepare and administer medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
- Consult with veterinarians to diagnose problems and administered prescribed treatments.
- Perform basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
Commissary Keeper I
The Louisville Zoo
03.2020 - 05.2021
- Secure zoo grounds between operational hours, and walk regular rounds to access/lock in/lock out various animal species as necessary.
- Trained and signed off on 2 person protocols for entering/working in buildings with dangerous animal species.
- Trained and signed off on compost truck. Empty compost cans from animal areas around zoo grounds and take the truck to the dump for further compost processing.
- Daily diet preparation and delivery.
- Feed evening diets to various species as directed by animal area staff.
- Restock of animal area hay barns as needed.
- Ordering from vendors to maintain proper stock of food cooler and freezer items.
- Pick up of non compostable trash from animal areas around zoo grounds.
- Document nightly rounds, animal area and facilities checks in proper night logs to be seen by relevant staff.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale stocking projects during overnight shifts.
Seasonal Guest Services Associate
The Louisville Zoo
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Greeted guests upon arrival, offered assistance with wayfinding, and answered questions.
- Maintained zoo grounds and performed park beautification projects.
- Assisted the Special Events team with set up, staffing, and tear down of special events.
- Respond to guest emergencies whether medical, lost children, found children, etc.
Seasonal Keeper
The Louisville Zoo
04.2019 - 09.2019
- Responsible for performing most daily duties of 1 person routine in Valley Mammals area. Species included Ring-tailed Lemurs, Guanaco, Common Wallaroo, and Bennett's Wallaby.
- Assisted area Keepers with 2 person routines as a 3rd Keeper. Species included Maned Wolf, Canada Lynx, Puma, Jaguar, Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger, and Lion.
- Responsible for interpretation of 2 daily Snow Leopard training demonstrations, as well as 1 daily Amur Tiger training demonstration.
- Completed projects and tasks to improve the daily functionality of various aspects of daily animal routines.
Boma Keeper
KCTCS
05.2016 - 03.2019
- Responsible for all daily duties related to the care of the animals in the Boma Petting Zoo area. Species included Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Miniature Donkeys, African Spur Thighed Tortoise.
- Guest interaction and exhibit interpretation for Boma Petting Zoo and Wallaroo Walkabout.
- Responsible for administering medications as needed as well as daily insulin injection for diabetic goat.
- Assisted Keepers with morning routines in Giraffe and/or Valley Mammals areas, as well as various other areas around the zoo as needed.
- I worked in this area before being accepted to work Seasonal Keeper and Guest Services positions, and was able to return to this area in between seasonal assignments.
Seasonal Guest Services Associate
The Louisville Zoo
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Greeted guests upon arrival, offered assistance with wayfinding, and answered questions.
- Maintained zoo grounds and performed park beautification projects.
- Assisted the Special Events team with set up, staffing, and tear down of special events.
- Respond to guest emergencies whether medical, lost children, found children, etc.
Seasonal Keeper
The Louisville Zoo
04.2018 - 09.2018
- Responsible for performing most daily duties of 1 person routine in Valley Mammals area. Species included Ring-tailed Lemurs, Guanaco, Common Wallaroo, and Bennett's Wallaby.
- Assisted area Keepers with 2 person routines as a 3rd Keeper. Species included Maned Wolf, Canada Lynx, Puma, Jaguar, Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger, and Lion.
- Responsible for once daily Maned Wolf keeper talk.
- Completed projects and tasks to improve the daily functionality of various aspects of daily animal routines.
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Biology
Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, INHonors Diploma -
Valley Traditional High School
Louisville05.2004
Skills
- Operant Conditioning and Trust-Based Animal Training
- Animal Training Demonstrations, Interpretation, Keeper Chats
- Supervision and Leadership
- First Aid/CPR
- Hand and Machine Tools
- Forklift and Cherry Picker
- PPE use
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
Certification
- Attended and completed AZA required Principles of Elephant Management 1 course.
- Completed Animal Behavior 1, 2, 3, and 4 courses from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy.
- Completed Trust-Based Animal Training - Elephants course from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy.
- Completed Operant Conditioning and Behavior Management course from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy.
- Completed Animal Nutrition course from San Diego Wildlife Alliance Academy.
- Completed Birds, Penguins, and African Penguins courses from San Diego Wildlife Alliance Academy.
Professional References
- Steve Taylor, Assistant Director of Conservation, Education, and Collections: The Louisville Zoo - (502) 418-0831, Steven.Taylor@LouisvilleKY.gov
- Steve Burton, (former) Elephant Supervisor: The Louisville Zoo - (502) 262-2034, tuskr666@gmail.com
- Jessica Cunningham, Assistant Curator (Mammals): The Louisville Zoo - (502) 645-1148, Jessica.Cunningham@LouisvilleKY.gov
- James McKinney, Bird Curator: The Louisville Zoo - (601) 917-7905, James.McKinney@LouisvilleKY.gov
Timeline
Bird Keeper II
The Louisville Zoo
08.2024 - Current
Elephant Keeper II
The Louisville Zoo
02.2021 - 08.2024
Commissary Keeper I
The Louisville Zoo
03.2020 - 05.2021
Seasonal Guest Services Associate
The Louisville Zoo
10.2019 - 12.2019
Seasonal Keeper
The Louisville Zoo
04.2019 - 09.2019
Seasonal Guest Services Associate
The Louisville Zoo
09.2018 - 12.2018
Seasonal Keeper
The Louisville Zoo
04.2018 - 09.2018
Boma Keeper
KCTCS
05.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor Of Science - Biology
Indiana University Southeast
Honors Diploma -
Valley Traditional High School
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