What is your hometown, what brought you to the
EMERALD COAST and how long have you been here?
I moved here two years ago with my yellow lab, Biscuit, for
a job opportunity as an animal trainer for Gulfarium Marine
Adventure Park. I am originally from Victoria, TX, where I was
employed with The Texas Zoo for over five years working with
all sorts of terrestrial animals from primates, big cats, and birds
of prey. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park provides me with the
opportunity to work with a number of species including dolphins,
seals, sea lions, otters, penguins and tropical birds.
What is your profession and what led you to choose it?
I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals, but never quite
sure of where to start. My career began in the Texas Zoo gift shop as
a cashier, and I moved over to a zookeeper position once an opening
presented itself. As a zookeeper, I was able to learn and implement
positive reinforcement training techniques with a variety of species
which allowed the staff to help with the animal’s overall care. Once
I started working closely with the animals and seeing the difference
I could make in their lives, I knew I wanted to be an animal care
professional and turn my passion into a profession.
Choose three words that best describe you.
Creative. Passionate. Driven.
What do you like best about Destin?
I love the food! Destin has an amazing variety of restaurants, but I
was very impressed by the sustainable seafood options that many of
our local restaurants offer.
What is your favorite thing about Destin?
The beach is my absolute favorite. Living and working this close
to the Emerald Coast has been such an amazing opportunity. It’s a
great location to educate the public about marine species, and how
we can help conserve our ocean for future generations.
Finish this statement, I AM DESTIN because…
I am passionate about preserving our ocean and the many species
that inhabit it. Destin is an amazing destination along the Emerald
Coast, attracting thousands of visitors every year, and many of
them make Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park an exciting part
of their visit. The abundance of guests affords me the opportunity
to share my passion and help our visitors develop a stronger
appreciation for animals and the environment. Sharing the animals
with our guests every day with the Emerald Coast as our backdrop
really does help spread the message of conservation, which is why I
AM DESTIN.
photo by Samantha Blair
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