Zoo Keeper
My interest in animals started early. Growing up I always had exotic pets in my home and thanks to my mother who sparked that interest, our house was never absent of critters. As I got older this interest of animals turned into passion. In my early twenties I took a leap of faith and signed up for an internship at a zoo. I was at a point in my early career life where I was ready to find my place. I never thought working with animals could have been a career so this internship was a way to find out if that was true or not. Well, it turned out to be very true and within just weeks I was hooked. Shortly after extending my internship I was offered a job as a zookeeper at the zoo. From 2019 to 2023 I worked as a zoologist at this zoo. It taught me many valuable things that applied to not only my job but I'm my personal life as well.
Travel
By 2023 I was ready for the next steps.
I wanted to continue to excel in the field but I wasn't entirely sure how. The universe must have been listening because I was presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity working with animals abroad. Within two weeks I put in my notice with my job and moved to Dubai.
After 6 months in Dubai that same job led me to Gujarat, India where I was an animal husbandry manager and helped curate the care of all different species of birds. I also learned quite a bit of falconry and teamed up with another animal expert and trained birds in a free flying bird show. I spent one year working abroad.
A Transition
In the summer of 2025, I ventured to South Africa to spend time with the Anti-Poaching non profit, Soldiers for Wildlife. This experience opened up a whole different world and showed me the depth of true boots on the ground conservation. I spent 3 months there learning and volunteering with The Endangered Wildlife Trust assisting with vulture research. I came back to South Africa again in the beginning of 2026 with the intention of trying to make a live and a living in the world of conservation.
Art with a Purpose
Transitioning from one country to another professionally isn't always easy so, l switched gears and tapped back into my art background. I've always painted animals for my subjects but this time I wanted to put an idea l've had in my head for years into action. Selling my artwork to help with income but to help support conservation through my artwork.
Work and Volunteer History
