Welcome to my series of interviews with some wonderful people who work within the natural world, from zoo keepers, to museum curators and everything in between and those that are on the path to working in these positions too. Be inspired for a future where you can combine your love of nature with your day job. I hope you enjoy these interviews, that you can learn something from them and they can inspire you.

Now let me introduce you to Lysi.....

 

Name

Lysi Newman

Age

26

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

What do you do?

Ambassador Animals Keeper 2 at the Phoenix Zoo

How did you get into it?

I always loved animals and the zoo. I started volunteering with Cat AdopTion Service and Helen Woodward Animal Shelter in my hometown (San Diego) in middle school. My mom was looking for opportunities for me to volunteer with exotic animals and came across Wild Wonders. I started there my sophomore year of high school and loved it! I thought I wanted to be a zoo veterinarian, so I went to UC Davis to get my B.S. in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Health. As a college student, I took internships in any animal positions I could find, such as labs, vets, zoos, rehabs, shelters, and even on the dairy farm. I realized that I thrive most on being outdoors making connections with my animals, which is why I landed on zookeeping as a career. My first job after college was as a large mammal keeper at the Honolulu Zoo, but I missed the education and training parts of ambassador work, so I applied to all the openings I could find and ended up here in Phoenix with the amazing Ambassador Animal Resources team. Since moving here, I have also completed a graduate certificate in Sustainability and Behavior Change through UCSD andwill be starting my P.S.M. in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management through Colorado State University in the fall.

What made you want to do what you do?

I always knew I was going to work with animals in some capacity. Spending time around animals is soothing to me, in a world full of human drama and stressors. It’s incredibly rewarding to see animals making progress on behaviors, people starting to care about how cool they are, and knowing I am making a difference in animal conservation Also, I get to spend my days outdoors moving around, which is much better for me physically and mentally than being in an office!

What does it involve?

My days start with a team meeting, then I go to prepare diets for the section I am working that day. I clean the habitats, feed and medicate the animals, and collect any going to the stage show in their transports. We run 1-2 full length stage shows daily, which I can either run animal behaviors or narrate during. Once the animals return home, I work on training my behavior projects. Currently, I am socializing a new hyrax, training a new show behavior for a kinkajou, and working on voluntary nail trims for a hawk. After lunch, I provide behavioral enrichment to the animals in my section and work on maintenance projects until it is time to feed and medicate the animals again. At the end of the day, I update the physical and digital records with things such as weights and behavior notes.

Did you need any qualifications?

Most full time zookeeper roles require a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and demonstrated interest and/or experience with exotic animals. My role also required knowledge of operant conditioning for animal training and experience with public speaking.Any tips for a young person that wants to do what you do? This can be a difficult field to get into, but the work is very rewarding once you get there! Starting to volunteer as soon as possible will help you to build up experience and land internships and then jobs. Also, when you apply for positions, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I recommend applying for everything that interests you and being willing to relocate at the beginning of your career until you find the right fit. One caution I would give is that zookeepers do not make a lot of money, so when getting your degree, consider where you go to avoid taking out major loans that will be difficult to pay back.

What is the best part of what you do?

My favorite thing about being an ambassadors keeper is presenting unique or underappreciated animals and watching guests’ expressions change from neutral, fear, or disgust to excitement and interest! I love being able to garner care and support for the amazing species I work with. I also love being able to work with such a variety of species.

What is the worst part of what you do?

Unfortunately, when working with animals with shorter lifespans, you experience death fairly frequently. The worst part of my job is saying goodbye to my animals when it’s their time to move on. Fortunately, I have a great support system for when that happens.

What is your favourite animal?

Rock hyrax! They’re so unique and cool, and their little vampire teeth looking tusks are hilariously cute.

What was the first animal that you fell in love with?

When my parents first brought me home as a baby, my main focus was on one of the cats, Brandy, who bopped me on the head when they put me down. My first crawl and steps were toward Brandy. I wanted to play and snuggle with her constantly.

What is your favourite place in nature?

This is a difficult one! I enjoy being in nature in general, but I would have to say that there’s something special about being out on the ocean, where you can’t see the shore. The waves are so peaceful, the wildlife is less disturbed by your presence, and the air is so clear.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I am involved with the American Association of ZooKeepers, I play with my cats and snakes at home, and I am a huge board game fan! I typically play medium to heavy strategy nature themed games. My favorite is Ark Nova, which is actually about building a zoo! I also love live music and go to many concerts.

If you were not doing what you do now what else would you love to do?

I could see myself being an exotic animal veterinarian or a dog trainer.

Who inspires you?

My passion for wildlife was inspired by my mom and Steve Irwin, may he rest in peace. As I grew up, I looked at Temple Grandin for inspiration as someone who pursued their passion despite obstacles, as well as the staff and friends I made at every facility I’ve worked at along my journey.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to continue working with ambassador animals, making a difference in their lives as well as the guests who visit to see them. I should be completing my master’s program in 2028 and someday I would love to open my own facility!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?

I would like to encourage anyone interested in this field to go for it. If you follow your passion, you can overcome almost any obstacles, physical, mental, or societal. That is the motto I live by and it has served me well.

Where can people find you? 

Instagram @Lysi98

LinkedIn Lysi Newman