Tessa Peeler
Doylestown
Summary
Experienced in animal care and habitat management, prioritizing the health and welfare of animals. Proficient in adhering to safety protocols and institution standards at an AZA accredited institution. Utilizes specialized knowledge in animal behavior and welfare to create thriving environments and provide proper care and feeding. Demonstrates a track record of effective teamwork and adaptability in diverse settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Ambassador Animal Care Intern
Elmwood Park Zoo
01.2025 - Current
- 400+ hours of experience providing daily care for ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and assisting in public educational demonstrations, while ensuring the well-being of animals in a public setting.
- Maintained detailed records of animal care, behavior, and health observations.
- Provided engaging enrichment activities tailored to species-specific needs, promoting mental stimulation and natural behaviors in animals.
- Maintained clean and safe exhibit spaces for both animals and guests, ensuring a high standard of hygiene and visual appeal.
- Improved visitor experience by delivering engaging educational presentations about various animal species and their habitats.
- Developed strong relationships with zoo staff through active communication channels and teamwork-based initiatives, enhancing overall workplace morale and productivity.
Education Animal Care Volunteer
Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Prepared species-specific food in precise quantities, ensuring a balanced nutrition and proper medication administration for raptors, tracked in a computerized management system, RaptorMed.
- Maintained accurate digital records for dietary plans, feeding schedules, and health needs, contributing to the center’s data accuracy and raptor care protocols.
- Organized and executed a cleaning schedule for enclosures, supporting sanitary conditions and adherence to facility standards.
- Engaged the public at information booths, raising awareness about raptor conservation and educating visitors on avian anatomy, including wingspan and talon functions.
Resident Intern
Orange Beach Wildlife Center
03.2022 - 05.2022
- 700+ hours of hands-on experience in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wildlife, including caring for mammals, birds, and reptiles, and assisting in medical treatments under the supervision of licensed professionals.
- Ensured safety and well-being of resident and rehabilitating wildlife, providing specialized care and overseeing successful rehabilitation and release.
- Safely captured various species using specialized equipment while adhering to strict guidelines for animal welfare.
- Recorded intake data from public calls on injured and abandoned animals, maintaining the center's detailed logs essential for tracking wildlife rehabilitation and outcomes.
- Prepared meals and diets for animals using species-specific formulas and nourishment to aid in rehabilitation.
- Collaborated with veterinarians in developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each animal''s specific needs.
- Assisted in administering medical care to injured animals, facilitating their successful rehabilitation and release.
- Monitored recovering animals closely for signs of improvement or complications, promptly addressing any concerns that arose.
- Facilitated successful releases of rehabilitated animals back into their natural habitats, including the organizations first successful rehabilitation and release of a Bald Eagle.
- Educated the public on proper wildlife interaction, leading to a decrease in human-wildlife conflicts.
Shift Lead
Buff City Soap
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Oversaw sales and customer relations, ensuring a positive experience for all clients through attentive service and efficient handling of inquiries and feedback.
- Led product development and manufacturing coordination, contributing to the design and production process to meet customer demands and enhance product quality.
- Improved inventory management by implementing an optimized system, reducing inventory completion time by 50 percent and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring safety standards were met consistently.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation at all times.
Sales Associate
Bath and Body Works
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
Producer
Lantana Community Church
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Ran technology and sound system at main facility and in the field for streaming services
- Coordinated logistics across all volunteers involved in weekly event productions
- Provided guidance to less experienced team members, fostering a supportive learning environment that promoted skill growth and development.
- Coordinated with lighting designers to synchronize visual effects with sound cues for cohesive artistic presentations.
- Balanced individual performer microphone levels during rehearsals to ensure optimal audibility during live shows.
Working Student
Blue Ridge Sport Horses
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Coordinated with veterinarians to manage health care needs, ensuring timely medical attention and proper documentation for interstate horse transportation.
- Managed daily feeding, hydration, and medication schedules, adhering to individualized care plans for optimal equine health and wellness.
- Conducted thorough cleaning and maintenance of stalls and horses, upholding strict hygiene standards to support animal welfare and facility reputation.
- Organized and executed exercise and enrichment routines, promoting physical fitness and mental stimulation aligned with the English Hunter/Jumper discipline.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR03.2025
Skills
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Strategic Leadership and project coordination
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Effective Public Speaking
- Animal care and enrichment
- Behavior observation
- Dependable and responsible
- Zoo safety protocols
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Animal handling
- Honest and dependable
- Problem-solving abilities
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Language
Limited Working
Timeline
Ambassador Animal Care Intern
Elmwood Park Zoo
01.2025 - Current
Education Animal Care Volunteer
Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
04.2024 - 06.2024
Shift Lead
Buff City Soap
01.2023 - 10.2024
Resident Intern
Orange Beach Wildlife Center
03.2022 - 05.2022
Sales Associate
Bath and Body Works
07.2021 - 02.2022
Producer
Lantana Community Church
01.2018 - 01.2021
Working Student
Blue Ridge Sport Horses
01.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
Oregon State University
Similar Profiles
Morgan MartinMorgan Martin
Volunteer at Elmwood Park ZooVolunteer at Elmwood Park Zoo
Riley BassRiley Bass
Educational Volunteer at Elmwood Park ZooEducational Volunteer at Elmwood Park Zoo
Deanna Delle FaveDeanna Delle Fave
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Teacher at Elmwood Park Public School DistrictComprehensive Health and Physical Education Teacher at Elmwood Park Public School District