Lori Hieber
Temecula
Summary
Experienced wildlife care leader with extensive experience in animal husbandry and team development. Proven track record in enhancing animal welfare through innovative management practices and operant conditioning techniques. Skilled in mentoring, public outreach, and fostering a collaborative environment for optimal team performance, animal welfare, and guest engagement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Wildlife Care Specialist
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
04.2018 - Current
- Lead organization and management of large carnivore programs, including husbandry standard operating procedures, safety protocols, operant conditioning, and enrichment program development.
- Aid in recruitment, onboarding, and mentoring of new hires to optimize performance and professional development.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive management strategies for our large carnivore programs, optimizing both animal welfare and guest experience.
- Oversaw the development of the Australia Team during its inception, including working with teams internationally to represent the organization, aiding in acquisition of necessary permitting for international shipments, and helping to facilitate the successful acquisition of two platypuses from Australia.
Wildlife Care Specialist
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
09.2008 - 04.2018
- Organized and maintained the tiger program, including general husbandry, operant conditioning and enrichment program development, establishment of breeding and cub socialization protocols, staff training and mentoring, public speaking and outreach, as well as research participation and record maintenance and organization.
- Implemented protocols in coordination with the leadership team, veterinary, and research staff to advance care and husbandry practices, particularly for neonates and geriatrics.
Education
Zoology
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ06-2005
Skills
- Wildlife husbandry and operant conditioning techniques
- Organization, planning, and analysis
- Team collaboration and motivation
- Public speaking and outreach
- Recruitment, mentoring, and personnel development
- Program and project management
Professional Associations
Tiger SSP Husbandry Advisory Team - Founding member of the Tiger Husbandry Advisory Team, which aims to facilitate collaboration among zoological facilities and provide direct mentorship, with the goals of bolstering welfare standards, improving breeding success, and fostering relationships with facilities abroad in support of Global Species Management Plan goals.
Serval SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper - Maintain current and historical demographic and genetic records of the AZA serval population, to help inform breeding decisions that will enhance the genetic diversity and general health of the population.
Timeline
Lead Wildlife Care Specialist
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
04.2018 - Current
Wildlife Care Specialist
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
09.2008 - 04.2018
Zoology
Northern Arizona University
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