Happy International Day of Zoo and Aquarium Educators

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo?

I have worked here full-time for about 4.5 years, but before that I was a camp guide for 4 years and a volunteer for 4 years.

How did you start your career?

I applied to be a Camp Guide for Camp Zoofari in the summer of 2014 – it was one of the best summers I’ve ever had! When the season ended, I wanted to stay connected to the mission so I became an adult volunteer – and the rest is history!

What do you love the most about being an educator at the Zoo?

There is so much to love – but my favorite thing is the connection I’ve made with others who share my love and passion for education and conservation. I work with the most amazing educators and volunteers, and I am constantly inspired by the wonderful impact they have on our guests. On top of that, I get to actively participate in supporting our Zoo’s mission through education and action! I can use my experiences to inspire others, and it’s the most fulfilling thing in the world to wake up every day and be part of this incredible organization.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue this career choice?

It’s never too late to do what you love! I changed my career trajectory multiple times from my 20s until now, and I know so many others who have done the same. You’d be surprised how much your strengths and experiences can add to an organization like the Zoo; I work with so many talented individuals who come from all types of training and education.

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo?

I have worked at the Houston Zoo for 3.5 years. I have been in the zoo field for a little over 9 years.

How did you start your career?

I started as a volunteer at the El Paso Zoo in 2013. I volunteered in many different areas to figure out what I wanted to do when I graduated college. I fell in love with being an educator in a zoo setting.

What do you love the most about being an educator at the Zoo?

We work with so many amazing species from all over the world. I love that I can share and teach on that passion so that the next generation can appreciate them as much as possible. I love when I can be that first experience for someone who has never touched or even seen a species I am educating about. Their smiles mean everything and in that moment they are happy.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue this career choice?

You CAN pursue this career. Find a mentor and ask a ton of questions. AMZAP is a great place to find a mentor in any position in the zoo world. If you cannot find the door, ask one of us and we would be happy to help guide you. If you end up off course keep your head up, you never know what amazing places you might end up at.

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo?

I’ve worked here twice. In total it’s been fourteen years!

How did you start your career?

Like most people who get into our field, I’ve always had a love for animals and nature. I grew up helping out at my uncle and aunt’s animal boarding center and was a junior dog handler. When I was a teenager, I worked with children as a mentor in AmeriCorps, and later led a nature focused after school program at a Montessori school. I always wanted to combine my love of animals and teaching and found my chance at the Houston Zoo in 2000 under funny circumstances. I had a date who invited me to the Zoo but CANCELLED at the last minute! I decided to still go by myself, and I’m so happy that I did! I had such an amazing time that I applied to be a volunteer, but ended up with a job application instead. I hit it off with the Conservation Education team and began working for the Zoo writing curriculum. The rest is history!

What do you love the most about being an educator at the Zoo?

It’s hard to pick one thing! I love meeting our joyful families that come from all over and sharing our incredible Zoo with them. My job is all about building empathy for animals, inspiring our guests to want to save them in the wild.  There’s nothing more magical than seeing people feel a connection with nature and wildlife. I love it so very much!

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue this career choice?

How long have you worked at the Zoo?

About 6 months, I’ve been a volunteer since 2018.

How did you start your career?

I got involved with the Zoo by interning in herpetology while I was in college. I also studied ecology and evolutionary biology in college and my research involved community science projects, so I knew I had an interest in being a science educator.

What do you love the most about being an educator at the Zoo?

I love sharing my passion for animals with our guests! If someone finds a new favorite animal during their visit to the Zoo, that’s a successful day in my book! I love finding new ways to connect people with wildlife.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue this career choice?

This career is definitely super passion focused. My time as a volunteer and intern really helped me build a strong foundation and understand what a career at the Zoo would look like. I also took my time in college looking at different career paths and got really involved with research, which directed me toward a career in conservation education.

How long have you worked at the Zoo?

I have been here as an employee for 5 months. I volunteered here for 2 summers when I was in high school.

How did you start your career?

My career in wildlife conservation began in 2019 when I became an intern at the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition. I fell in love with educating the public about Texas native animals.

What do you love the most about being an educator at the Zoo?

I love that I can help people learn about animals, have them fall in love with them, and inspire them to become conservationist.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue this career choice?

I would tell someone to follow your passion, go to school, volunteer/network, and do as much as you can in the field. This will help you get into this wonderful field and give you the tools you need to be successful.