Kaitlin McLaurin Eyler

Aquarist |

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach, NC, USA

Jan 2017-Mar 2019

• Comprehensive Animal Care and Medical Responsibilities: Managed the care of diverse species, including venomous reptiles, elasmobranchs, raptors, and fish. Administered medication, handled emergency procedures (tube feeding, anesthesia, euthanasia), and assisted with ultrasound and x-ray imaging. Acted as the primary caretaker for a rescued bald eagle, providing specialized medical care and developing a customized training program.
• Water Quality and Equipment Maintenance: Maintained and optimized life support systems for aquatic species, applying advanced technical knowledge. Responsibilities included treating water systems to eliminate pathogens and parasites, conducting diagnostics, repairing equipment malfunctions, and managing chemical filtration systems such as ozone generators, carbon filters, and PhosGuard filters. Ensured optimal water conditions for health and safety.
• Research, Enrichment, and Program Development: Conducted research to improve animal nutrition across species, maintained detailed records, and managed nutrition supplies. Designed enrichment initiatives, including breeding and hand-rearing waterfowl, creating educational programs, and contributing to public relations efforts. Experienced in venomous snake handling and acquiring new animals.
• Leadership and Exhibit Maintenance: Led dive missions to inspect and ensure the structural integrity of exhibits. Supervised and trained volunteers, fostering opportunities within the husbandry department, and played a key role in exhibit upkeep and appearance.

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• Technical Expertise in Water Quality and Equipment Maintenance: Monitored and diagnosed life support systems, ensuring water quality parameters met optimal conditions for aquatic species. Conducted water chemistry testing and maintenance, including during animal transport and exhibit rebuilds. Oversaw construction and prepared exhibits, ensuring all equipment, sealants, and water parameters adhered to AZA standards. Managed chemical filtration systems and developed standard operating procedures for water management, improving breeding success for elasmobranchs.
• Distinguished Contributions to Research and Animal Welfare: Conceptualized and implemented an innovative enrichment and training program for cownose rays, setting new standards in elasmobranch welfare. Garnered international recognition with features in media, presented at international conferences, published in Drum and Croaker (2016), and is still featured as the gold standard for optimal captive elasmobranch care with the Jane Goodall Institute. The program has earned widespread acclaim as a cornerstone in advancing aquatic enrichment practices globally.
• Leadership in Animal Welfare and Training: Served as the lead ichthyologist, managing behavioral enrichment programs for all fish species and overseeing the departmental enrichment budget. Created and enforced standard operating procedures, training staff to ensure compliance and improve animal welfare practices. Managed medical procedures like barb trimming and anesthesia preparation, ensuring safety and health standards were met. Designed safety protocols for elasmobranchs during guest interactions, fostering animal welfare and public engagement.

• Technical Maintenance and Water Quality Expertise:Performed routine maintenance on diving exhibits, monitored life support systems, replaced carbon filters, and adjusted water quality parameters to ensure optimal conditions.
• Technical Maintenance and Water Quality Expertise:Performed routine maintenance on diving exhibits, monitored life support systems, replaced carbon filters, and adjusted water quality parameters to ensure optimal conditions.
• Dive Operations and Public Engagement: Oversaw dive safety operations, conducted dive rescues, and delivered engaging dive presentations for public education.
• Leadership and Training: Trained new employees in life support system maintenance, dive operations, and equipment management to uphold operational standards.

• Leadership and Training: Trained new employees in life support system maintenance, dive operations, and equipment management to uphold operational standards.
• Comprehensive Animal Care and Medical Support: Prepared specialized diets for quarantine animals, administered medications, and assisted in medical procedures such as barb trims, radiographs, ultrasounds, and anesthesia for Elasmobranchs. Acclimated wild-caught Elasmobranchs to managed care, training them to hand-feed.
• Educational and Public Engagement Initiatives: Conducted daily public presentations on Elasmobranchs and water conservation. Developed and implemented an engaging enrichment program to educate visitors and enhance their experience.
• Marine Mammal Rescue Expertise: Trained as a member of the Marine Mammal Rescue Team, participating in rescue operations and performing necropsies on species such as Tursiops (bottlenose dolphins) and Trichechus manatus latirostris (manatees). Maintained detailed animal records and communicated health and behavioral observations to the veterinary team.