Featured Staff Member: Tiffany Tommasini, Zookeeper
What made you want to become a zoo keeper; was there a particular experience that helped you make this decision?
I have always loved animals and saw myself working with them even as a child. No real catalyst towards zookeeping specifically occurred, however. I just sort of landed into the field.
What was the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Gatorland?
I was leaning over to look into our Sandhill crane pond, and fell right in!
What is your favorite animal at Gatorland and why?
Jimmy, one of our giant Aldabra tortoises is my favorite. He is big, slow and has a great personality. If I could pick all 600 lbs of him up, I might take him home with me!
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
There are so many places that I would like to travel! However, if I were to go specifically to study I would probably end up in the jungles of the West Indies, where there are many new species of plant and animal alike yet to be discovered.
What is the best part of working here at Gatorland?
The animals, of course! They are what drive us all.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
Nothing really serious.
What made you decide to work with alligators?
I was born and raised in Florida. Alligators are just a natural part of being a Floridian.
What kind of pets do you have at home?
I have one cat (who thinks he’s a person!) named Jade and one bearded dragon named Black Beard.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I enjoy water sports, camping and I love to read.
Do you have any special talents?
I can play the flute.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
No one really in particular inspired me. However, my parents were always very supportive with my aspiration to work with animals.