Jenna Zimmerman ‘22, zoo & wildlife biology

Jenna Zimmerman ‘22, enrolled at Malone, learned many valuable skills about exotic animal husbandry - the science of caring for animals-- then returned home to become the first intern at Essex Turtleback Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey. 

Zimmerman has always had a heart for animals and knew at a young age that she wanted to make a career out of it.

“I grew up watching Animal Planet and Steve Irwin was a big inspiration to me,” she said.

As Zimmerman got older, she knew she wanted to study zoo and wildlife biology and she chose to do so at Malone.

“In researching universities that had a zoology major or something similar, Malone came up,'' she said. “The animal collection on campus is what really sold me. Malone seemed like the perfect place for me since I knew I wanted to work with exotic animals.” 

Zimmerman was excited to pursue internships with zoos this past summer.

“I love teaching the public about animals and doing hands-on husbandry on a daily basis,” said Zimmerman. “I have worked in wildlife rehabilitation in the past, so while I could have done something along those lines, I wanted to try something new and challenge myself instead. Wildlife rehabilitation and zoo work are very different! But both are equally great experiences.” 

Zimmerman applied to many facilities for internships, but she was holding out and hoping that Essex Turtleback Zoo would grant her an interview. 

“I was thrilled when they hired me to learn that I was their very first intern! I knew there would be many opportunities to make the experience my own.” said Zimmerman.

During her experience there, Zimmerman worked at a variety of stations including the pony barn, touch tank, aviary, butterfly tent, African Adventure, and Australia.

“My favorite part of the zoo was Australia; I really enjoyed working with the baby wallabies in particular.”

At a smaller zoo like Essex Turtleback, zoo workers wear many hats, and the same was true for Zimmerman. She acquired a variety of skills including public relations, emergencies, social environment, networking, and animal care.

“My favorite non-animal skill is networking,'' she said. “I have had the chance to meet and speak with a diverse group of people who have worked at incredible facilities (the Bronx Zoo, for example, which is a dream for us in this field). Not only does it help to have these connections, but they are some of the kindest people I've ever met.”

Zimmerman fell in love with zookeeping and intends on considering it as a possibility for her career.

“I could talk with people about animals and answer their questions all day, '' she said. “I can’t get enough! Especially when I know the animals on a more personal level. They’re like friends; I can’t stop talking about how much they make me laugh. It’s so important that the general public cares about animals. That's our first step to prevent species from endangerment or extinction.”