Isabella L. Serrano
Hammond
Summary
A fast learner, personable, and positive zookeeper with three years of experience working with domestic and exotic species. Proficient in maintaining animal enclosures, observing and monitoring the health and behaviors of animals, and educating the public about animal conservation. Enthusiastic to advance in zookeeping, by broadening the understanding of animal welfare and leadership skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Year-Round Relief Zookeeper
Columbian Park Zoo
10.2023 - Current
- Trained to manage all areas within the zoo in order to relieve any absent senior keeper.
- Performed animal escape drills acting as "person in charge" to obtain high profile animal enclosure keys for White Cheek Gibbon and Spider Monkeys.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative "keeper chats" about multiple species within the zoo.
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Able to input animal enrichment catalogs into zoo database.
- Entrusted with zoo building keys.
Seasonal Animal Care Specialist Wild Encounters
Brookfield Zoo
04.2023 - 09.2023
- Direct the Giraffe Feeding Experience by monitoring and instructing guests while interacting with the giraffes
- Monitor giraffe behaviors during guest encounters and relay gathered information to giraffe animal care specialists
- Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation with guests through informal keeper chats during the giraffe feeding experience
- Performed training procedures with Ring-Tailed Lemurs
- Assisted with completing routine cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures
- Prepared special diets for animals to accommodate specific health conditions and species-specific needs
Seasonal Zookeeper
Columbian Park
04.2021 - 12.2022
- Directed and supervised interns, volunteers, and zoo teens by assigning daily tasks and monitoring the quality of their work
- Trained fellow seasonal zookeepers in the proper care and maintenance of multiple species, including how to administer diets, clean enclosures, administer medications and provide enrichment
- Demonstrated effective time management skills while managing the daily tasks required in multiple areas of the zoo
- Completed emergency escape drills to obtain enclosure keys and responsibility for the care of higher profile animals
- Trained in capture and restraint of multiple species, including medical restraint for critical care situations and animal sedations
- Implemented crucial quarantine animal procedures when needed
- Responsible for shifting animals between enclosures safely while implementing training procedures
- Discussed the importance of wildlife conservation with the public, through formal and informal daily keeper chats
- Kept records of daily medications, animal reports, behavioral observations, and enrichment for multiple species
- Created and delivered unique daily enrichments to promote natural behaviors tailored for the needs of specific species
- Prepared and administered animal diets and daily medications according to the specific requirements of individual species
- Trained in multiple areas with species such as mammals, birds, and reptiles
Education
Bachelor of Animal Science - Animal Behavior And Well Being
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12.2020
Timeline
Year-Round Relief Zookeeper
Columbian Park Zoo
10.2023 - Current
Seasonal Animal Care Specialist Wild Encounters
Brookfield Zoo
04.2023 - 09.2023
Seasonal Zookeeper
Columbian Park
04.2021 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Animal Science - Animal Behavior And Well Being
Purdue University
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