Jenni Crites
Colorado Springs,Colorado
Summary
Zookeeping student with hands-on experience in zoo animal and domestic livestock husbandry and international field conservation. Experienced in behavioral observation, habitat maintenance, enrichment implementation, and working safely with large mammals and ungulates. I am passionate about conservation education, sustainable population management, and supporting high-standard animal care programs.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Internship
Pueblo Zoo – Blue Section – Hoof Run and Farm
01.2026 - Current
- Training and experience implementing successful and consistent shift behaviors of large ungulates
- Maintains ZIMS logs and records detailed medical and important observation notes
- Experience with the preparation and implementation of safety protocols for animal knockdown
- Experience with small mammal (red kangaroo) catch-up for routine veterinary checkups
- Provided important data regarding aggressive behavior within bison/elk habitat.
- Worked with the team to identify opportunities to mitigate these behaviors.
Internship
Katie Adamson Conservation Fund
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Assisted conservation professionals with wildlife monitoring and field research activities
- Participated in lion darting and collaring operations during large carnivore management efforts
- Maintained situational awareness and safety protocols while working in a free-ranging wildlife environment
- Observed animal behavior and habitat interactions within a protected ecosystem
Internship
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Barn
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Basic target and blood draw training experience
- Responsible for the identification and separation of individual giraffes from the herd for shifting or training purposes when tasked by keepers.
- Responsibility over Junior Zookeepers and volunteers assigned to the barn.
Assistant Barn Manager
Terolyn Horse Rescue
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Assisted in daily operations, ensuring care and welfare of horses aligned with rescue protocols.
- Implemented safety procedures, promoting a secure environment for staff and animals
- Collaborated with volunteers to enhance efficiency in barn tasks and animal care procedures.
- Monitored overall health and well-being of 30 horses, paying attention to signs of concern.
- Assisted with training for incoming rescues to establish trusting relationships between humans and equines.
Education
AAS - Zookeeping Technology
Pikes Peak State College
Colorado Springs, CO03-2026
Skills
- Large Mammal & Ungulate Husbandry
- Behavioral Observation
- Welfare Monitoring
- Wildlife Research & Monitoring
- Habitat Maintenance
- Situational Awareness in Large Animal Environments
- Team Communication in High-Intensity Situations
- Adaptability in Dynamic Work Environments
- Conservation Education & Public Engagement
- Receiving and Implementing Constructive Feedback
- Comfortable Outdoors Extreme Weather Conditions
- Operation of Manual Transmission Vehicles, Large Trucks, Tractors, Backhoe, Lawn Care Equipment, Hand/Power Tools
Timeline
Internship
Pueblo Zoo – Blue Section – Hoof Run and Farm
01.2026 - Current
Internship
Katie Adamson Conservation Fund
06.2025 - 07.2025
Internship
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Barn
01.2025 - 05.2025
Assistant Barn Manager
Terolyn Horse Rescue
06.2021 - 07.2022
AAS - Zookeeping Technology
Pikes Peak State College