Featured Staff Member: Arianna Bailey, Keeper II
What made you want to become a zoo keeper; was there a particular experience that helped you make this decision?
When I was little I always said I wanted to be a vet. The more I learned about the many career paths I could take, I realized I wanted to work more with exotic animals in a zoo setting.
What was the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Gatorland?
It is hard to name just one thing because lots of things we do at work seem crazy to other people, but to us it’s just part of our job. I’ve helped catch, and jump on the back of, a 10 foot Saltwater Crocodile, gotten spit on by the llama, helped baby alligators hatch out of the egg, handled venomous snakes, helped with medical check ups on our black bear, and wrangled flamingos for wing clipping. Everyday is different and exciting!
What is your favorite animal at Gatorland and why?
It is hard to pick just one, but George, our Savannah Monitor, is one of my favorites. He has a great personality and loves to be held. I’ve done training with him and he’s really fun to work with. Our African Dwarf Crocodile is another favorite of mine; he is very stubborn and has a “tough guy” attitude for a little croc.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would love to study all the crocodilian species in the wild; there are 23 species from all over the globe. I am also very interested in marine mammals and would love to travel on a research vessel in the ocean.
What is the best part of working here at Gatorland?
The best part is that I really love my job. It’s fun to come to work everyday because each day brings new and different challenges. Caring for animals and doing what is best for their well being is rewarding, and, gaining an animals trust, especially a crocodilian, is an added bonus.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
I have been scratched up by iguana nails and bitten by quite a few birds, but nothing serious, thank goodness. When cleaning the snake room and working with the venomous snakes one will occasionally strike at you and that always gets your adrenaline pumping!
What made you decide to work with alligators?
I wanted to work with any and all animals, and at Gatorland we get to work with about 60 different species; alligators just happen to be one of them. The more I learn about them and work with them the more I love it. They are an amazing species and so little is known about them. I love being able to educate people so that both their knowledge of, and respect for, the animals will grow.
What kind of pets do you have at home?
I have a Boston terrier, a Maine coon cat, a bearded dragon, and a ball python.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I love photography especially black and white. I would love to have my own dark room in my house.
Do you have any special talents?
My last job I was a dog groomer, I am really good at it! I groomed for about three years and still do it for friend’s dogs occasionally.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
Doug Seus is probably the person who set the light bulb off in my head; I could actually have a career as a zookeeper and animal trainer. I saw his documentary on TV a long time ago and have read interviews with him. His kindness and passion for his animals really inspired me. If you’re lucky enough to find a job you really love, you’re able to enjoy it without feeling like you’re working. Who could ask for more?