Cassandra Ray

I have worked hands on with thousands of different species of animals from all around the world. Educating others about the beautiful world around us is my passion. I love talking and engaging with all kinds of people and find myself to be a very extroverted and happy individual. Public speaking is not an issue for me, I regularly talk and give educational chats to hundreds of people at a time. I am also well versed and knowledgeable about all of the natural world. Working well with others and being a team member has always come very natural to me.Traveling around the world and seeing what all life has to offer is something I want more than anything. If hired, I can guarantee I would work the hardest I could  for you and your team and would be a great addition.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden After Hours Program staff Jan 2023-present  

Interpret and teach overnight groups  with a variety of handling many education animals. Assist groups on guided educational  tours throughout the zoo.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 

Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship Summer 2022

Working alongside full-time keeper staff in learning basic animal behaviors and group dynamics, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, and performing other duties as assigned. Also was required to complete various quizzes, training, projects and presentation, and a final reflection paper assigned by the departments.

Animal Interpreter  March 2020 - June 2022 Email: Engaged audiences through exhibit interpretation, wildlife conservation chats, field expeditions, family programming, and conservation campaigns. 

 American Primate Educational Sanctuary, 

Trains eight white handed gibbons as well as basic husbandry and maintenance. Works on outreach and education to the public during special events.

The Ohio State University’s Entomology Lab,

 Invertebrate Keeper and Researcher May 2021-August 2021

Maintained the summer position of  basic husbandry and keeping of over a variety of 1000+ invertebrate species from around the world. As well as assisted with invertebrate research as an assistant in labs for the Ohio State University.

The Akron Zoo Birthday Parties Educator and Personal Tour Guide  April 2018- December 2020

Educated large crowds through public speaking on a variety of species while giving tours around the zoo for birthday parties. 

Medina Raptor Center, Raptor and Songbird Rehabilitator, Trainer and Keeper   March 2019-September 2019 

Captured injured raptors and song birds. Administered and applied medications and health treatments, as well as overall maintenance. Trained raptors.

EDUCATION

The Ohio State University, Zoology Major, Education minor, Bachelors of Science . Graduated, enrolled August 2018- December 2022  3.8 GPA ; Zoology student; Zoology