Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
07
Rachael Shoffner

Rachael Shoffner

Wildlife Behavior Specialist
Chapmansboro,TN

Summary

Experienced wildlife care professional with a track record of inspiring teams in top-tier zoological institutions. Skilled in executing innovative behavioral training plans and devising modern strategies for wildlife welfare. Known for inspiring team members to elevate their objectives and abilities to achieve collective success.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Wildlife Behavior Specialist, San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Escondido, CA
10.2020 - 12.2023
  • Specialized in positive reinforcement operant conditioning, and goal-based behavioral enrichment and husbandry, for a collection of over 30 wildlife ambassadors
  • Collaborated with a team dedicated to caring for and presenting world-premiering wildlife ambassadors on the forefront of public relations from impromptu news presentations to daily VIP behind the scenes tours.

Veterinary Clinic Manager

Golden State Humane Society
Garden Grove, California
03.2018 - 10.2020
  • Streamlined clinic operations by implementing a newly efficient scheduling and appointment systems to accommodate the COVID pandemic. Successfully treated over 50 vaccine patients per day and 15 full veterinary appointments.
  • Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
  • Coordinated and developed community outreach programs

Lead Parks Animal Keeper

County Of Orange
Orange, CA
10.2015 - 05.2019
  • Coordinating care for over 50 animals including daily husbandry, behavioral training, and enrichment.
  • Designing and implementing new Operations Manual which included individual animal husbandry standards and new staff training protocols.
  • Oversaw zoo-wide feed supply, requisitions, and vendor relations.
  • Entered husbandry, behavioral observations, and veterinary health data in ZIMS directly.

Lead Education Keeper

Zoological Society of Florida. Zoo Miami
Miami, FL
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Created, implemented, and maintained the Enrichment Program and record keeping system for the 43 wildlife ambassadors in the Zoological Society of Florida Children's Zoo
  • Coordinated staff involvement in outreaches and updated safety standard of practice for animal transfers to outreaches.
  • Oversaw fundraising endeavors, implemented new program presentations and supported third party vendor fundraising efforts.
  • Oversaw volunteer hands-on wildlife training programs

Part-Time Education Keeper

Zoological Society of Florida. Zoo Miami
Miami, FL
01.2012 - 08.2015
  • Knowledge of safety practices, animal care, and handling exotic & domestic animals. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
  • Received, understood, and carried out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
  • Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.
  • Ability to write and present professional presentations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public and comfortable with public speaking

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, La.
08.2007 - 05.2011

Accomplishments

    - Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conference (2024)

    - Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (2020)

    - Animal Welfare: Evidence-Based Management – AZA Course Brookfield Zoo (2018)

    - San Diego Zoo Global Academy Certificates:

    • Animal Ambassador Management

    • Fundamentals of Animal Learning

    • Working Safely with Dangerous Animals

    • Record Keeping & Safe Handling

    • Creating a World Famous Culture

    - Management & Supervisory Leadership Certificate Series – Orange Coast College (2018)

Interests

  • Avid Reader (Have you read the Fourth Wing Series?!)
  • Sports (I like pretty much all sports-ball As a former college basketball player, I can't help but think I've still got it, and I very much don't)

Timeline

Wildlife Behavior Specialist, San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
10.2020 - 12.2023

Veterinary Clinic Manager

Golden State Humane Society
03.2018 - 10.2020

Lead Parks Animal Keeper

County Of Orange
10.2015 - 05.2019

Lead Education Keeper

Zoological Society of Florida. Zoo Miami
01.2014 - 01.2015

Part-Time Education Keeper

Zoological Society of Florida. Zoo Miami
01.2012 - 08.2015

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Loyola University New Orleans
08.2007 - 05.2011

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Rachael ShoffnerWildlife Behavior Specialist