Executive Director

Theresa grew up in rural Nevada where she developed an appreciation and love for wildlife. Even though she was very shy, she became a volunteer docent at the Animal Ark at age 15. She went on to earn a degree in Captive Wildlife Care and Education from Unity College, a small college is Maine. After graduation she returned to the Ark in 2014 as an animal keeper. Her hobbies include hiking and camping.

Collection Curator

Jhenna-Vie grew up in California and came to Nevada to work for Animal Ark in February 2022. She always had a passion for animals, which had propelled her to get jobs throughout her life working with whales, tigers, wolves, birds of prey, domestic animals, marine animals, and other wildlife.

Guest Services Manager

Annie is a Nevada native and Animal Ark enthusiast who has been visiting the sanctuary with her family since she was a child. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno for both her Bachelors and Masters degree, and there developed a passion for non-profit and educational work. Today, you can find her sharing her knowledge and love for animals as a member of the Visitor Center team.

Education Manager

Sean grew up in Humboldt County and fell in love with nature. After graduating with a degree in Recreation Administration, he moved to Reno Nevada and worked in the Tahoe region. After some years, he combined working outside with education and joined the Animal Ark team to educate people about the wonderful animals this world has to offer.

Animal Keeper

Ariel is a Reno native and received her bachelor’s in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Biology from UNR. She has been living & working with animals both professionally and unprofessionally for over 20 years. She started volunteering at Animal Ark in February 2019 and was placed in a full-time animal keeper position in November 2019. Birds are her favorite animals to work with, specifically raptors & parrots–their intelligence never fails to amaze her!

Animal Keeper and Facilities Manager

Tim retired in 2016 after a thirty-year career with the BLM and Forest Service as a wild land firefighter. He felt he still wanted to be part of a team so he began volunteering at Animal Ark in June of 2016. In 2017, he joined the staff working in facilities maintenance and also became trained as an animal keeper. Tim’s enthusiasm and love for the animals keeps him motivated.

Animal Keeper and Volunteer Coordinator

Leesa grew up in Southern California and always knew she wanted to work with animals. She graduated from the Exotic Animal and Training Management Program in 2013 from Moorpark College and her dream became a reality. After graduating from the program she worked at Utah's Hogle Zoo before moving out to Reno. Leesa started volunteering at Animal Ark in 2018 and in 2021 she became a part of the staff. Her favorite things about zookeeping are training and enrichment.

Animal Keeper and Volunteer Coordinator

Meghan has worked in a variety of career fields but has always been passionate about animals, including unique species, reptiles and insects. She graduated from Oregon State with a B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. She pursued an internship with Animal Ark in 2022 and was hired on full time after it ended.

Animal Keeper

Jordan grew up in Sacramento, California. As a child, she was particularly fond of the traditionally non-charismatic animals, like amphibians, reptiles, bats, and insects. She attended the Oregon State University Honors College and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences with a focus in Applied Ecology. She studied the movement of Pacific giant salamanders in Oregon streams. Jordan moved to Reno, Nevada in 2023 to work for Animal Ark and spends her time painting, reading, and spending time with her family.

Animal Keeper

Hayley has always had a passion for animals. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno. In the summer of 2016 she became an intern with the Oakland Zoo in their elephant department and fell in love with zookeeping. She began volunteering at Animal Ark in May of 2021, and by July of that year she was employed by the Ark full time.

Animal Keeper

Abbey grew up in California and always had an interest in working with and training exotic animals. She graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College in 2023 where she had the opportunity to work with a large variety of animals. She was inspired by the hyena, baboon, serval, and bald eagle she worked with and trained there. After graduating she got a job at Animal Ark and moved to Nevada. She is excited to continue to learn about animals and grow her knowledge on how to care for them.

Animal Keeper

Julianne grew up in Simi Valley California. She graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College where she had the opportunity to work with and train a wide variety of exotic animals including herbivores, carnivores, primates, and birds. She has also worked briefly as a biologist in the conservation of the Palos Verdes blue butterfly. Upon graduation from Moorpark College Julianne began working at animal Ark and moved to Reno Nevada. Her hobbies include reading and caring for her dog.

Animal Keeper

Brierley was born and raised in Reno, her first trip to Animal Ark was when she was only three years old, coming to the Ark with her family frequently and eventually volunteering before becoming a staff member in 2020. Brierley used to be the Education Manager of Animal Ark, but now spends half of the year abroad working as a safari guide and with conservation groups and anti-poaching teams in Africa. She serves as a part time Animal Keeper and loves being able to help conserve the planet we call home.

Gift Shop Attendant

Having moved to rural Northern Nevada at a young age, Travis fell in love with the state's wonderful high desert. After returning to his home state of Utah for several years, he is pleased to be back in beautiful Northern Nevada where he studies Music and Education at the University of Nevada, Reno. He joined the Animal Ark team in 2024 because he loves non-profit work, especially the educational aspect of it. In his free time, he enjoys making music and experiencing the beautiful nature surrounding this area.

President

Treasurer

Trustee

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Trsutee

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