Katleen (Katie) Dehollander
Sebastian,USA
Summary
Analytical and dedicated professional with hands-on experience in animal care, husbandry, and conservation within AZA zoo environments. Recognized for delivering comprehensive care, medical treatments, and behavioral enrichment programs for a wide range of species including primates, great apes and carnivores. Skilled in daily care and management of diverse animal species with a focus on ensuring their health, well-being, and enrichment through tailored care planning. Expertise in training and supervising animal care staff to maintain high standards of animal care and welfare. Capable of establishing positive relationships with animals and fostering engagement and cooperation from primates and carnivores to marine mammals. Adept at managing team issues and creating enrichment strategies that promote natural behaviors. Proficient in implementing comprehensive feeding, health, and enrichment schedules and monitoring animal behavior to identify and address health concerns.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Keeper
Brevard Zoo
Melbourne, FL
01.2023 - Current
- Provide comprehensive daily care and management for diverse rainforest species, including primates (spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, capuchins, and tamarins), reptiles, birds, and carnivores(jaguar and cheetah). Administer medical treatments and medications as prescribed by veterinary staff with a focus on ensuring optimal animal health and welfare.
- Maintain meticulous records of animal care, dietary intake, and responses to enrichment activities.
- Lead animal training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and facilitate safe handling.
- Facilitated successful introduction of new howler monkey to existing troop.
- Implemented enrichment strategy utilizing the s.p.i.d.e.r. method to encourage natural behaviors in primates and carnivores.
- Prepared four black Howler monkeys for shipment to another facility through developed training programs.
Chimpanzee Care Technician II
Save the Chimps
Fort Pierce, FL
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Maintained secure holding areas to protect chimpanzees and caregivers.
- Upheld USDA standards by keeping housing areas clean for optimal chimpanzee care.
- Managed medications and prepared specialized diets, considering individual dietary requirements and group dynamics.
- Implemented tailored programs to enhance stimulation and care for chimpanzees.
- Established effective methods to improve compliance and behavior through operant conditioning.
- Established trust with challenging elderly chimpanzee for successful medical treatments and feeding.
- Integrated three male chimpanzees into an established group and achieved harmony with minimal disruption.
- Identified and addressed team issues and delegated tasks while serving as key point person during weekends.
Shelter Caregiver
Asha Farm Sanctuary
Newfane, NY
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Prepared specialized diets and administered medications for a variety of farm animals, including bovine, goats, sheep, pigs, hens, and donkeys while adhering to individual dietary requirements. Coordinated with team members to manage safe transfer of animals between feeding zones and paddocks with optimum security and wellbeing.
- Formulated and executed effective restraint techniques for animals to optimize safety.
- Maintained secure enclosures by diligently checking gates/holding areas and preventing breaches.
Education
AS - Animal Management
Niagara County Community College
Sanborn, NY06.2017
BCS - Animal Behavior, Minor in Zoology - Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (ABEC)
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY06.2020
Skills
- Animal Behavior Observation & Analysis
- Veterinary Assistance & Medication Administration
- Animal Husbandry & Behavioral Enrichment
- Dietary Planning and Nutrition
- Record Keeping and Data Management
- Public Education and Outreach
- Behavioral Enrichment Design
- Positive Reinforcement Training
- Animal Welfare Standards Compliance
- Cross-team Collaboration
- Wildlife Conservation & Health Monitoring
Additional Experience
- International Freight Associate at Livingston International, NY
- Veterinary Assistant at Village Vet of Lewiston, NY
- Marine Mammal Care Intern at Niagara Aquarium, NY
- Mammal Care Intern at Buffalo Zoo, NY
Timeline
Animal Keeper
Brevard Zoo
01.2023 - Current
Chimpanzee Care Technician II
Save the Chimps
01.2021 - 01.2023
Shelter Caregiver
Asha Farm Sanctuary
01.2021 - 01.2021
AS - Animal Management
Niagara County Community College
BCS - Animal Behavior, Minor in Zoology - Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (ABEC)
Canisius College