“Julianna here, serving as AAZKSFs president! I have been in the field for over 10 years and I currently work as a primary keeper in the hoofstock department at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. I have been involved with AAZK throughout most of my career. During that time, I have had the pleasure of serving on the committee for two different chapters. As a long time member of AAZK, I have had a unique opportunity to network with many different zoo professionals and beyond, gathering at the national conferences, and making lifelong friends. Most of all, it has allowed me to take part in raising awareness and providing support for wildlife conservation. I’ll continue to bring my knowledge and background to the chapter.”

"Hello there, I’m Elyse, the AAZKSF secretary. I’m currently the primary keeper for the Tropical Rainforest and pelicans at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. Before coming here in mid 2023, I worked with the birds at the San Antonio Zoo, and before that I worked with the birds at the Brookfield Zoo, and before THAT I interned with the birds at the Tampa Zoo. You can probably guess I’m a pretty big fan of birds. I’m also a big fan of working with people to promote conservation as well as fostering relationships between fellow zoo professionals. While at the San Antonio Zoo I helped out with the AAZK chapter events quite a bit, and am really excited to be even more involved in AAZK now as an officer with the San Francisco chapter. I have seen how AAZK can really bring people together here and at other institutions, in addition to bringing in lots of funds to help protect the animals we all love."

"Hi everyone! I’m Kat, and I am one of the Communications Liaisons for AAZKSF this year! I currently work at the San Francisco Zoo as a Dietician, and I’ve been in this role for about 6 months as of Feb 2025. I decided to join AAZK as a way to make connections with other zoo professionals, and get involved with conservation projects and fundraisers! I’m originally from Seattle, WA, where I worked at Woodland Park Zoo as a Camps Counselor for the 2023 Summer Season. Following that, I worked as an outdoor environmental educator for multiple organizations across California, including the Bay Area’s very own NatureBridge. My background in animal care includes working as a Ranch Hand and Nature Center Caretaker in Palm Springs, CA, as well as volunteering as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant at several rehab centers in western Washington. This is my first year being a part of AAZK, and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the team to raise funds, create community, and inspire people to help protect animals worldwide!"