MICHELLE MEEKER
Lexington,KY
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Caretaker
Primate Rescue Center
06.2023 - Current
- Handled a variety of different species safely and confidently during routine care tasks such as feeding, grooming, medication administration, and enclosure maintenance.
- Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow caretakers and support staff to ensure comprehensive care for all animals within the facility.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
- Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
- Assisted with development of animal behavior modification plans.
- Maintained detailed records of animal care, treatments, and progress, contributing to effective health management.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, providing necessary support to veterinarians for optimal outcomes.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.
Keeper Assistant
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
10.2020 - 05.2023
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications for various tasks.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
- Minimized stress on animals during routine husbandry tasks by employing low-stress handling techniques based on each species'' unique characteristics.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative guided tours, explaining animal behaviors and habitats.
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Worked closely with curatorial staff to ensure accurate recordkeeping of daily activities including feeding, cleaning, and medical treatments.
- Ensured compliance with animal welfare laws and accreditation standards, maintaining zoo's reputable status.
- Monitored animal behavior for signs of stress, adjusting care plans to improve well-being.
- Conducted guided tours, offering insightful stories about animals to enhance visitor satisfaction.
Intern
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Maintained clean and safe exhibit spaces for both animals and guests, ensuring a high standard of hygiene and visual appeal.
- Utilized industry-standard tools and equipment proficiently while performing essential caretaking tasks within exhibits.
- Assisted in the design of engaging enrichment activities, promoting mental stimulation and natural behaviors in animals.
- Promoted a positive image for the zoo by adhering to professional attire guidelines and maintaining an approachable demeanor with guests.
- Documented daily observations of individual animals'' behavior, contributing valuable information to long-term monitoring records.
- Educated visitors on the importance of conservation efforts, inspiring support for global wildlife preservation initiatives.
- Coordinated with volunteer teams on daily tasks, fostering an efficient work environment that prioritized animal care objectives.
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation..
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing visitor concerns or answering questions related to zoo operations or specific animals on display.
- Participated in emergency drills, contributing to effective response management during potential incidents involving animals or guests.
- Streamlined feeding schedules to accommodate dietary needs of diverse species, optimizing overall health.
- Improved visitor engagement with educational talks, sharing insights on animal conservation, behaviors, and personality
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Enhanced documentation skills with introduction of digital reporting system, ensuring efficient information sharing.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Volunteer
Primate Rescue Center
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Represented organization positively and professionally while providing community with much-needed services.
- Developed strong relationships with fellow volunteers, working together as a team to ensure optimal animal care standards were met consistently.
- Gained extensive knowledge on various animal species, behaviors, dietary needs, and enrichment activities to provide tailored care for each individual animal.
- Ensured a safe environment for both animals and visitors by adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Cleaned and sanitized cages and living areas to promote health and wellbeing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Studies
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky05.2019
Skills
- Animal Care
- Cleaning Protocols
- Basic maintenance
- Medication Administration
- Animal Training
- Nutritious Feeding
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Animal Caretaker
Primate Rescue Center
06.2023 - Current
Keeper Assistant
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
10.2020 - 05.2023
Intern
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
01.2019 - 06.2020
Volunteer
Primate Rescue Center
01.2016 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Animal Studies
Eastern Kentucky University
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