Alyssa- I was raised in Bismarck, ND with a variety of animals! From dogs and cats to rabbits and birds, there was always something new to learn. When I was 11 years old, I began volunteering at a local animal shelter. At 14, I began giving horse riding lessons to neighboring children. Through my life, I've continued to enjoy learning about animal care and animal behavior. Since then, I have earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Zoology from the North Dakota State University and began working for the Red River Zoological Society in 2017. I enjoyed two years as the Volunteer Coordinator and Education Specialist, caring for various small mammal, reptile, and avian species. In early 2020 to 2022, I enjoyed various management positions with animal rescues, handling dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments. I have experience with animal assistant duties such as medication administration, caring for special needs animals, and animal training. In my shelter experience I participated and taught basic training programs on animal care and wellness using models from leading organizations such as the ASPCA and Association of Zoos and Aquariums. My favorite subject was always animal behavior, and working with types of enrichment - or fun games to keep animals happy! Zachary- Also having a Bachelor's degree in Zoology, I have always loved the outdoors and animals of all kinds. I especially fell in love with turtles at a young age, and the conservation practices which surround them. From 2017 to 2019, I interned at the Chahikapa Zoo in Wahpeton, ND. There I cared for various animals and ensured their daily health was always in the best conditions possible. Since then, I have been enjoying various jobs with the Moorhead Parks and Rec, animal care and grooming, and other pet care related needs. ** Alyssa and Zachary are trained in basic animal husbandry for various species. Please contact us for more information.