Let’s meet Kate! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a licensed veterinary technician, and work at a 24 hour Emergency Center that sees wildlife and exotics. This helped grow an interest in zoo keeping and the intricacies of captive animal care and training. I enrolled in the Zoo and Aquarium Science Professional Certification program, and it was truly one of the best choices I've made.

How did you benefit from your experience at ABI?

The instructors all have the most incredible real-world working experience and knowledge! And the schedule of readings, forum posting, and quizzes was extremely conducive to a fulltime work schedule. The coursework was so applicable to preparing us for actual career success. Interacting with other students, sharing ideas, and working through concepts as a team was a positive way to gain skills needed to step into real work situations.

What was your favorite course?

The animal training and enrichment courses were so helpful to my daily keeper tasks and duties. Learning about animal welfare, training, and enrichment fueled a passion for entering the zoological arena--- and the field experience component made this a reality.

How did you complete your field experience?

I was able to shadow and learn at a local zoo.

What have you been doing since you graduated from ABI?

I am now looking forward to starting my 3rd season as a keeper in Small Carnivores and Primates! This is truly a dream come true!

Would you recommend ABI to others?

I can't recommend ABI more highly! The education is truly valuable, and directly contributed to my ability to begin a career I have dreamt of since childhood. The program helps mesh passion and creativity with concrete knowledge and skill in order to create an amazing foundation to allow dreams to become realities. I am able to build incredible relationships with the animals in my care, educate our guests, and work with my fellow keepers to develop best practices for the future.