Alicia - Confessions Of A Former Zookeeper

About this episode

Alicia shares her journey from zookeeper to environmental advocate, discussing the challenges and rewards of animal care.

HDYGH, Alicia? We talk primates, precarious pathways, and getting stabbed by a large bird in this honest look at professional animal care. Connect with Jamie & the pod Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zookeeping Journey 02:40 Childhood Aspirations and Early Influences 05:43 First Jobs and Early Experiences 08:42 Education and Career Path 11:48 Transitioning from College to Career 14:31 Navigating the Job Market During a Recession 17:33 The Role of Communication in Career Development 20:34 Reflections on Education and Future Aspirations 27:57 From Temp to Zookeeper 32:11 Finding Passion in Animal Care 39:00 Internship Insights 43:54 Wild Encounters: Stories from the Zoo 56:31 Dispelling Myths 56:55 The Reality of Animal Care Work 59:47 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Animal Care 01:02:52 Behind the Scenes: Zookeeper Stories 01:05:51 From Zookeeper to Environmental Advocate 01:13:44 Passion and Purpose in Animal Care 01:16:44 Reflections on Success and Future Aspirations

People in this episode

Host: Jamie Kirsten Howard

Guest: Alicia

Topics covered

• zookeeping
• animal care
• career transition
• education
• neurodivergence
• environmental advocacy

Keywords

• zookeeper
• animal care
• career path
• education
• neurodivergence
• internship
• wild encounters

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