Featured Staff Member: Megan Terry, Zookeeper
What made you want to become a zoo keeper; was there a particular experience that helped you make this decision?
I do not remember a single defining moment where I decided I wanted to work with animals. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, the desire just got stronger as I got older. I really got serious about my goal to work with animals after I met my husband, who is in the same profession.
What was the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Gatorland?
I can think of quite a few things! A recent event is when we introduced our cracker cattle to their new exhibit and the feisty male jumped out of the exhibit and we had to chase him around Gatorlands’ back pasture all day.
What is your favorite animal at Gatorland and why?
Some of our younger goats: Monday, Rosalie and Emmett. Also, Poncho a macaw is a favorite of mine.
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 crocodilians in South and Central America. Any type of marine life, especially marine mammals or cephalopods would be great to study. I’d love to make a difference for the many imperiled animals in all parts of Asia.
What is the best part of working here at Gatorland?
Gatorland is awesome because it is in a natural setting. While working I often see Osprey fishing and Roseate Spoonbills flying overhead. There are so many rare, wonderful and completely natural things to see here that you can’t see at any other park.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
How to answer this without getting into any trouble… I really haven’t had any close calls that were enough to scare me. Just the typical bird and reptile bite. I’ve been charged at a few times by a pregnant cow. Other than that, nothing too exciting has happened.
What made you decide to work with alligators?
I’ve always liked alligators but I wanted to work at Gatorland so I could work with animals in general. During my employment here I’ve really gained a love and understanding of alligators and all other crocodilians. They are all so extremely misunderstood and it is one of my goals to change that.
What kind of pets do you have at home?
I have several fish, a Cockatiel and two cats named Feles and Feral. Feral was actually found in our swamp walk. After several attempts to shred our hands with his claws he finally agreed to live with us.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
Drawing, writing, painting, scrapbooking, sewing, playing piano, bass, guitar, bird watching, hiking, swimming, traveling and volunteering. I love to learn. Right now I am trying to learn Spanish, French, Chinese, Latvian and Italian.
Do you have any special talents?
I guess I would say that I pick up music easily. My hand-eye coordination is good so I’m pretty good at sports if I try.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
My husband. I’ve always loved animals but he’s always had an absolute passion for them and he’s passed that on to me. I was actually going to be an automotive technician. I just wish he would have inspired me before I spent all that money on automotive school!