Michele Gaffney
Poway,CA
Summary
Experienced wildlife care and nutrition professional seeking to contribute expertise as an interim Clinical Wildlife Nutrition Manager for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Committed to upholding the highest standards of animal care and dedicated to collaborating with a team of professionals to meet optimal nutritional needs of animals. Excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation efforts at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Nutrition Coordinator
Zoological Society of San Diego
08.2017 - Current
- Collect and/or record data and information on nutritionist's clinical cases as directed, and assists with diet assessments and reviews using appropriate informational sources and diet management applications.
- Collect, enter, maintain, and analyze wildlife nutrition information utilizing spreadsheets and organizational databases.
- Coordinate the dissemination of information in response to inquiries and requests.
- Prepare, arrange, and maintain diet information for animal transactions. In 2024, between incoming and outgoing transactions, managed diets for approx. 124 mammal and bird species.
- Perform plant safety checks for use as browse or habitat plantings for animals at both the Zoo and Safari Park. In 2024, created 25 reports with approx. 100 plant species checked. Curate Plant safety check report summary and Approved Browse List.
- Develop, coordinate, and implement body condition score training for Conservation, Husbandry, and Science wildlife care specialists. Worked with Conservation Science Teams to create species specific body condition score charts for Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs and Pacific Pocket Mouse.
Associate Nutritionist
Zoological Society of San Diego
01.2010 - 08.2017
- Collaborated with the Director of Nutritional Services, Veterinarians, Pathologists, and Conservation, Husbandry, and Science management and wildlife care teams to provide nutritionally appropriate and behaviorally stimulating diets for the animals at both the Zoo and Safari Park.
- Formulated diets(using in-house computer-based program) and implemented dietary changes for wildlife in all life-stages.
- Prepare, arrange, and maintain diet information for animal transactions.
- Performed plant safety checks for use as browse or habitat plantings for animal collections at both the Zoo and Safari Park.
- Assisted with researching and procuring feed items for animal diets.
- Maintained clinical notes and prepared diet sheets to explain and support recommendations.
- Between 2010 and 2014 presented 5 posters on nutritional related issues in animal collections at Zoo and Park at professional comparative animal nutrition meetings.
- Provided consulting services for 1 AZA affiliated zoo (Peoria Zoo, Peoria, Illinois) by evaluating, reviewing, and making dietary recommendations for specified species' diets.
Mammal Keeper
Zoological Society of San Diego
07.2009 - 01.2010
- Prepared regular and clinical diets to help animals maintain ideal weights and optimal health, including preparing milk replacer formulas for assist-reared neonates.
- Enhanced team communication by regularly updating colleagues on animal status changes or noteworthy observations within the habitats.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork among fellow keepers through consistent partnership and open communication regarding animal welfare and habitat maintenance.
- Consulted with Head of Nutrition on animal diets and diet modifications. Collaborated with nutritionist on research project for master's degree in animal nutrition. Project evaluated the effects of different dietary fiber sources on nutrient digestion in small exotic felids and supported the transition to a new commercial meat diet for carnivore species at the Zoo and Safari Park.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to provide comprehensive health care, ensuring swift treatment and recovery for ailing mammals.
- Assisted with collecting data for San Diego Zoo Institute of Conservation Research (Conservation Science) projects.
- As Acting Lead (May 1992 to August 1993), responsible for daily operations of the Animal Care Center (assist-rearing facility), and co-supervised staff of 17 with organizing work schedules and writing employee evaluations.
Education
Master of Science - Animal Nutrition - Animal and Veterinary Science
California Polytechnic University
Pomona, Ca06.2004
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
University of California Davis
Davis, Ca12.1982
High School Diploma -
Poway High School
Poway, Ca06.1978
Skills
- Animal diet formulation
- Data management
- Team oriented
- Flexible
- Open, approachable, persuasive communicator
Affiliations
- AZA Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG), 2010 to present, Presented on enteroliths and drinking water pH in SDWAP equine in 1999.
- Comparative Nutrition Society (CNS), 2010 to present
- Rhino Keeper Association (RKA), 2001 to present
Timeline
Wildlife Nutrition Coordinator
Zoological Society of San Diego
08.2017 - Current
Associate Nutritionist
Zoological Society of San Diego
01.2010 - 08.2017
Mammal Keeper
Zoological Society of San Diego
07.2009 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Animal Nutrition - Animal and Veterinary Science
California Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
University of California Davis
High School Diploma -
Poway High School
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