Shannon Storer
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
Lakewood,WA
7
years of professional experience
Dedicated animal care professional with extensive experience at Point Defiance Zoo and Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy. Skilled in animal husbandry and behavior observation, I excel in teamwork and multitasking, ensuring optimal animal welfare and enriching environments. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences through engaging public education and effective training techniques.
Work History
Ranch Caretaker
7 Years 1 Month- Perform animal husbandry for variety of animals including dogs, goats, llamas, alpacas, and donkeys
- Provide customer service and assist with public instruction to professional training courses through Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy
- Execute the care, observation, and maintenance of animals, maintaining detailed records to monitor animal health and behavior
- Prepare animal diets, proper food distribution and cleans paddocks and pastures
- Assist with basic veterinary treatments and administration of medications
Zoological Aide
1 Month- Support animal care staff with daily husbandry, habitat maintenance, and diet preparation.
- Sanitize animal enclosures, husbandry equipment, and public spaces to maintain clean, safe, and healthy environments for animals and guests.
- Monitor animal behavior and promptly communicate health, welfare, and safety concerns to supervisory staff.
- Facilitate animal encounters and scheduled educational programs featuring diverse ambassador species, from invertebrates to large mammals, to engage guests and promote wildlife education.
Seasonal Zoological Aide
6 Months- Performed comprehensive care for ambassador animal collection, maintaining clean, enriched enclosures and preparing species-appropriate diets
- Supported and lead daily animal encounters, handling and presenting animals in a safe, controlled manner
- Conducted public education talks and demonstrations, communicating conservation messages and promoting positive guest experiences
Animal Care Intern (Rocky Shores/Arctic Tundra)
2 Months- Contributed to efficient facility operations by cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and habitats
- Enhanced animal welfare by monitoring health, observing behavior, and reporting concerns to supervisors
- Assisted staff biologists with basic animal training techniques for sea otters, sea lions, seals, and walruses
- Maintained accurate records of animal care activities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
- Relevant Coursework: Natural History of Vertebrates, Ecology, Conservation and Management, Marine Biology, Plant Diversity and Distribution
- Study Abroad: San Salvador, Bahamas- Tropical Marine Ecology
- Capstone Project: Marine Protected Areas, Compiled current research and addressed major issues in the fishing industry and the impacts of losing larger marine predators
Skills
Animal husbandry
Animal handling
Teamwork and collaboration
Time management
Multitasking
Animal behavior
Positive reinforcement methods
Certifications and Trainings
- Completed an intensive week-long professional animal training course through Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy, led by Ken Ramirez; advanced skills in positive reinforcement, clicker training methodology, problem-solving, and training plan design across multiple species.
- NAUI Open Water Scuba Diving
Timeline
Zoological Aide
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
09.2026 - CurrentRead More
Seasonal Zoological Aide
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
09.2025 - 03.2026Read More
Animal Care Intern (Rocky Shores/Arctic Tundra)
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
06.2025 - 08.2025Read More
Ranch Caretaker
Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy (The Ranch)
09.2019 - CurrentRead More
Pacific Lutheran University
Bachelor of Science from Biology
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