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

After spending 20 years as an accountant, I realized I wanted to make a meaningful change in my life and pursue my passion for working with animals. Growing up with a variety of farm and companion animals, my love for animals has always been a driving force. I decided to explore the possibility of spending the second half of my career doing something I truly cared about. While still employed, I enrolled in ABI's Animal Training & Enrichment program to see if my dream could become a reality. I was immediately captivated by the in-depth, challenging content, which was highly relevant to real-world applications in the field. After completing the program, I knew I wanted to take my education further. I left my accounting job to pursue a B.S. in Animal Health & Behavior. As I progressed in my studies, my focus shifted to carnivores, leading me to enroll in ABI's Exotic Animal Training program. The program exceeded my expectations, with professors who offered valuable insights, real-world experience, and continuous support. I completed my fieldwork in South Africa, working with cheetah conservation, and it was an experience that opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in the world of animal training and welfare. My journey with ABI has been life-changing, and I am now fully committed to shaping my future in this exciting and impactful field.

How did you benefit from your experience at ABI?

My experience at ABI gave me a strong foundation in animal behavior, positive reinforcement training, and enrichment techniques. This comprehensive knowledge gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a career in animal care. The hands-on learning and real-world applications from the programs not only deepened my understanding of animal behavior but also empowered me to transition into a field I am passionate about confidently. Thanks to ABI, I gained the expertise and practical experience to make a meaningful impact in animal care and training.

What was your favorite course?

It is a tie between Animal Minds & Emotions and Carnivore Behavior & Training

How did you complete your field experience?

For my field experience in Animal Training & Enrichment, I volunteered at MEOW Cat Rescue & Adoption, where I cared for shelter cats. During this time, I applied the knowledge I gained from my coursework to create training materials on cat body language for new volunteers. I also worked with sensitive and fearful cats, gaining a deeper understanding of their perception and sensory experiences in a shelter environment.

For my fieldwork in Exotic Animal Training, I had the incredible opportunity to intern in South Africa, focusing on carnivores such as cheetahs, lions, caracals, servals, and meerkats. This hands-on experience allowed me to further develop my skills in animal behavior and training while contributing to important conservation efforts.

What have you been doing since you graduated from ABI?

Since graduating from ABI, I have gained valuable hands-on experience through internships in animal care at a zoo, a cheetah conservation and breeding center in Africa, and a safari park. I am currently interning as a Cheetah & Carnivore Intern at Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR, an AZA-accredited facility and the second-largest cheetah breeding center in the world. This internship has been a dream come true, allowing me to work with big cats and other carnivores while building specialized experience in their care. My ABI certificates have enabled me to hit the ground running, as I’m well-versed in training and enrichment principles, which allows me to engage meaningfully in discussions about the facility's programs. I’m honored to collaborate with professionals who are dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. In addition to working with ambassador cheetahs, I care for lions, tigers, and wolves, and will soon be working with brown and black bears once they emerge from hibernation!

Would you recommend ABI to others?

Yes, I have recommended ABI to others many times! I’ve shared the valuable course information they can expect to learn and the opportunities the programs have afforded me in the field. Having current, specific, and focused knowledge of animal behavior, training, and enrichment is incredibly valuable in animal care. I believe the programs at ABI provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the animal care industry. Thank you ABI!