Joining a new team of wild things

Hello everyone! My name is Allie, and I’m the newest member of the Carnivore Team. You might have read a few of my blogs before, as I was formerly a gorilla keeper here at Zoo Atlanta. In the Primate Department, I learned so much about the importance of teamwork and how to balance the daily care of 16-20 gorillas (some went to other AZA zoos during my time)! I will always be so thankful for my time with the gorillas, and the wonderful people I worked with along the way. In this next chapter of my career, I have been working with a large variety of carnivores – tanuki, binturongs, lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), giant river otters, and more! After all, I started at Zoo Atlanta as a Carnivore Intern in January of 2018.

In the Carnivore Department, I have learned so much already. There is teamwork over here too, as you’ll find in all departments of the Zoo. In addition, there is a good portion of individual work where there are multiple opportunities for independent thinking and decision making. Though I am no longer working with 20 gorillas, I am now working with eight different animal species, and eventually I’ll cross train with the giant pandas and red panda. I’m constantly observing and learning all the personalities of the animals; however, they challenge me and test my limits since I’m the newest. I hope to build unique relationships with each of the animals. I’m gracious that the Carnivore Team has welcomed me back, and I’m so excited to see what I accomplish during my time here. Take care and thanks for following me on this next step in my journey.

Allie C.
Keeper I, Mammals