Ariana Maldonado
Chicago
Summary
Dedicated animal care specialist focused on ensuring the well-being of diverse species. Maintains exceptional standards of cleanliness and safety, conducts regular health checks, and engages guests with educational insights during animal encounters. Collaborates effectively with teams to enhance animal welfare through innovative enrichment solutions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Safari Ranger
Safari Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva
06.2026 - Current
- Developed new enrichment and functional exhibit changes for optimal animal welfare.
- Assessed and maintained daily documentation of animal welfare and care provided.
- Constructed and distributed daily animal diets.
- Cleaned indoor and outdoor animal enclosures.
- Engaged with guests in various animal encounters, providing educational and conservation information.
Emergency Medical Technician
Elite Ambulance
02.2022 - Current
- Provided medical care to patients with life-threatening conditions and injuries.
- Transported patients to hospitals or other healthcare facilities using an ambulance.
- Trained new EMT staff on protocols, procedures, and safety measures.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to assess patient needs and deliver appropriate interventions.
Hoofstock Intern
Brookfield Zoo
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Assisted in day-to-day animal care operations, including assembling and distributing diets, enrichment, training, completing welfare assessments, distributing medications, and cleaning habitats.
- Assisted with educational programs by engaging with visitors/ private tours and providing information on the individual species and wildlife conservation.
- Collaborated with staff to develop new enrichment and functional exhibit changes for training.
- Participated in several medical procedures for a variety of species in collaboration with veterinary professionals.
Animal Care Specialist
Anti-Cruelty
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Maintained clean and safe living environments for animals by regularly cleaning enclosures and providing proper bedding materials.
- Conducted regular health checks on animals under care, noting any changes in appearance or behavior that could indicate potential issues.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow animal care specialists and support staff to ensure comprehensive care for all animals within the facility.
- Handled a variety of different species safely and confidently during routine care tasks such as feeding, grooming, and enclosure maintenance.
- Carried out enrichment activities for animals, enhancing their mental and physical well-being.
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Erie Elementary Charter School
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
- Assisted with classroom management issues when needed.
- Collaborated with other teachers to ensure student success.
- Encouraged positive behavior among students through effective communication techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Animal Health & Behavior
Unity Environmental University
05-2025
Associate of Science -
Wilbur Wright College
IL03-2021
Master of Science - Wildlife Advocacy And Conservation
Unity Environmental University
New Gloucester, ME08-2027
EMT License -
Elite Ambulance EMT School
IL02-2022
Skills
- Computer Proficiency
- Problem-solving
- Animal Care
- Team Collaboration
- Behavior Analysis
Certification
- Emergency Medical Technician
- CPR
References
References available upon request
Languages
- Spanish
- Intermediate
Timeline
Safari Ranger
Safari Lake Geneva
06.2026 - Current
Hoofstock Intern
Brookfield Zoo
10.2025 - 12.2025
Animal Care Specialist
Anti-Cruelty
06.2025 - 10.2025
Emergency Medical Technician
Elite Ambulance
02.2022 - Current
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Erie Elementary Charter School
09.2021 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Animal Health & Behavior
Unity Environmental University
Associate of Science -
Wilbur Wright College
Master of Science - Wildlife Advocacy And Conservation
Unity Environmental University
EMT License -
Elite Ambulance EMT School