Nicole Kovara
Staten Island
Summary
Reliable and punctual Animal Care team member with proven skills cleaning animal areas, coordinating inventory and managing animal needs with care and compassion. Highly organized and hardworking with good communication and multitasking abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary Africa Zookeeper
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island, NY
10.2017 - Current
- Supervise the care of all animals in the Africa department, including endangered species
- Prepare and maintain records of all aspects of animal management such as training logs, breeding behavior, interaction with enrichment, and treatments
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Enhance public experiences with keeper talks, participation in outreach programs, upkeep in wing/exhibit maintenance
- Developed enrichment programs to promote natural behaviors and enhance animal well-being.
- Monitored habitat conditions, adjusting environments to meet specific animal needs effectively.
- Trained new zookeepers on best practices in animal care and safety procedures.
- Assisted in successful breeding programs by closely monitoring animal behavior, health, and interactions.
- Guide interns throughout the year on husbandry skills and help them gain more knowledge in the field
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current on best practices in animal care within the zoological community. Also lead and help supervise workshops for staff regarding enrichment.
Professional Dog Bather
PetSmart Charities
Staten Island, NY
05.2022 - Current
- Conducted thorough bathing and grooming to enhance pet hygiene and appearance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of grooming stations and bathing areas.
- Utilized specialized grooming tools to ensure safe and effective pet care practices.
- Trained junior staff on proper bathing techniques and best practices for pet handling.
- Monitored pet behavior during grooming, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience for animals.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various breed-specific grooming requirements, ensuring proper care for each individual dog.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping for all dogs under care, including any medical or behavioral issues that may impact service delivery.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
Swing Keeper
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island, NY
09.2016 - 10.2017
- Observed the behavior, health and security of animals in different departments of the zoo and reported any problems to the appropriate supervisor
- Cleaned holdings, exhibits, and a wide variety of animal pens daily
- Implemented behavioral enrichment for the collection and assisted in approved animal training programs
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education Animal Care Manager
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island
09.2014 - 09.2016
- Carried out all aspects of daily care of education animals including the cleaning, feeding, enriching, exhibit maintenance and general upkeep
- Engages in keeper chats, zoo tours, animal presentations and/or other public interactions under the guidance of the Director of Education
- Participated in hand-rearing of many baby animals including an African-crested porcupine, red kangaroos, Beaver, Patagonian cavies and an opossum
- Oversaw work activities/ training for interns, docents, and seasonal volunteers
Children’s Center Keeper
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island, NY
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Responsible for daily care of Children’s Center animals, exhibit upkeep, and guest inquiries
- Primary trainer of emus and secondary trainer of kangaroos and groundhogs
- Prepared diets for a variety of animals within the zoo to accommodate their specific nutritional needs
- Maintain daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records as well as veterinary accounts of all animals
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
Bachelor’s of Science - Marine Biology
University of Rhode Island
South Kingston, RI01-2013
Skills
- Ability to lift 75 lbs
- Good communication skills both verbal and written
- Works well independently and in group settings
- Willingness to learn
- Marketing abilities through social media
- Husbandry skills relating to domestic and exotic animals
- Ability to administer medications
- Proficiency in cleanliness
Certification
- Advanced Open Water Diving Certification - 2012
Timeline
Professional Dog Bather
PetSmart Charities
05.2022 - Current
Primary Africa Zookeeper
Staten Island Zoo
10.2017 - Current
Swing Keeper
Staten Island Zoo
09.2016 - 10.2017
Education Animal Care Manager
Staten Island Zoo
09.2014 - 09.2016
Children’s Center Keeper
Staten Island Zoo
05.2013 - 09.2014
Bachelor’s of Science - Marine Biology
University of Rhode Island
Awards
- AAZK Excellence in Animal Care Award - 2025