Ashlyn Surratt
Brackley,Northamptonshire
Summary
Proactive aviculture professional with hands-on experience in diverse bird collections, welfare-led husbandry, positive reinforcement training, and public engagement. Skilled in behavioural observation, enrichment design, preventative healthcare support, and ZIMS record management. Committed to high welfare standards, conservation, and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Supplemental Instruction Leader
Carroll University
Waukesha, Wisconsin
2022.05 - 2025.05
- Facilitated peer-led biology study sessions and communicated complex concepts clearly and effectively.
Avian Seasonal Keeper
Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham, Alabama
2024.05 - 2024.08
- Delivered daily husbandry for 65+ lorikeets (4 species) and mixed avian collection, including cranes, vultures, passerines, and other specialist species.
- Prepared diets, monitored behaviour and health, and maintained high enclosure and biosecurity standards.
- Implemented positive reinforcement training, including voluntary scale training, to support preventative healthcare.
- Designed enrichment and maintained accurate daily welfare and husbandry records in ZIMS.
- Delivered keeper talks and reported concerns promptly to senior staff.
Avian Season Keeper
Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham, Alabama
2023.06 - 2023.09
- Delivered daily husbandry for 65+ lorikeets (4 species).
- Prepared diets, monitored behaviour and health, and maintained high enclosure and biosecurity standards.
- Implemented positive reinforcement training, including voluntary scale training, to support preventative healthcare.
- Designed enrichment and maintained accurate daily welfare and husbandry records in ZIMS.
- Delivered keeper talks and reported concerns promptly to senior staff.
Bird Department Intern
Nashville Zoo
Nashville, Tennessee
2022.05 - 2022.08
- Prepared avian diets and maintained aviaries and food preparation areas to high cleanliness standards.
- Conducted target training and created enrichment for multiple species, including flamingos.
- Assisted with perch construction and entered husbandry data into ZIMS.
- Engaged visitors through keeper talks and informal interpretation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology and Animal Behaviour
Carroll University
Waukesha, Wisconsin 2021.08 - 2025.05
Skills
Avian Husbandry
Diet Preparation
Enrichment Design
Positive Reinforcement & Target Training
ZIMS
Behavioural Observation
Public Engagement
Certification
San Diego Wildlife Alliance - Certificate in Animal Care - December 2023
Timeline
Avian Seasonal Keeper
Birmingham Zoo
2024.05 - 2024.08
Avian Season Keeper
Birmingham Zoo
2023.06 - 2023.09
Supplemental Instruction Leader
Carroll University
2022.05 - 2025.05
Bird Department Intern
Nashville Zoo
2022.05 - 2022.08
Bachelor of Science - Biology and Animal Behaviour
Carroll University
2021.08 - 2025.05