Sara Patterson
Kodak,TN
Summary
Compassionate and empathetic zookeeper known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possesses specialized skills in animal behavior monitoring, habitat maintenance, and emergency response management. Excels in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring optimal care for not only animals, but people as well.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Encounter Zookeeper
Rainforest Adventures Zoo
Sevierville, Tennessee
06.2024 - 08.2026
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitization of animal habitats daily.
- Educated visitors about different species we housed and conservation efforts during encounters.
- Assisted veterinarians for regular health checks and emergency visits.
- Created enrichment activities and programs to promote animal well-being and engagement.
- Recorded observations on animal behavior for research and care plans.
- Trained new staff on safety protocols and animal handling techniques.
- Administered medications prescribed by veterinarians to sick or injured animals.
- Researched proper diets and prepared food to meet needs of animals under care using AZA guidelines.
Scientific Diver
Ripley's Aquarium
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
01.2019 - 06.2024
- Supported research initiatives by collecting data on animal behavior and health.
- Conducted underwater scrub dives to maintain the cleanliness of tanks and animal enclosures.
- Provided training to new divers on animal safety protocols and equipment use.
- Monitored animal health and reported any concerns to the husbandry and veterinary staff.
- Facilitated feeding of diverse animal species to ensure nutritional needs were met.
- Prepped and prepared different diets for the many species of animals we housed according to AZA guidelines.
- Educated visitors about the different animal species we housed through encounters and educational programs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Heritage High School
Maryville, TN05-2018
Skills
- Animal care
- Veterinary assistance
- Animal handling
- Medication administration
- Diet preparation
- Enrichment development
- Behavior observation
- Data collection
- Habitat maintenance
- Visitor education
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Customer service
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Scuba Certification - NAUI (2019)
Affiliations
- NEI Professional Animal Training Workshop - November 2025
- ZAA Sloth Nutrition Webinar (April 2026)
Timeline
Lead Encounter Zookeeper
Rainforest Adventures Zoo
06.2024 - 08.2026
Scientific Diver
Ripley's Aquarium
01.2019 - 06.2024
High School Diploma -
Heritage High School