CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, Wildlife Specialist:

Debbie Nelson

B.A. Degree, Emory University

Over 25 years of experience raising a diverse collection of herbivore mammals and exotic birds, including 12 species of kangaroos. Interests include growing exotic plants, art, aesthetics  of exhibit design, writing, hands-on husbandry with animals, and promoting conservation of kangaroos and other wildlife!

 

(Photo: Debbie and Sharmilla, an Agile Wallaby)

CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, Wildlife Specialist

Roger Nelson

B.S. Degree, Univ. Central Florida

Over 25  years of experience raising a diverse collection of herbivore mammals and exotic birds, including 12 species of kangaroos. Interests include design and operations of the Center, computer science, vehicle mechanics and animal husbandry!

 (Photo: Roger and Jack, Australian Bearded Dragon- the bearded dragon is on the right!)

Facility Manager:

Jeremy Maneyapanda

B.S. Degree, Cornell University

Jeremy learned 7 years ago that he loves working with kangaroos! He excels at keeping the Center functioning well and overseeing the daily animal husbandry. He may be writing up keeper protocols, organizing the "endless paperwork," ordering supplies or catching up kangaroos - just a few of the requirements in a day's work. Jeremy is always there when you need him!

(Photo: Jeremy and Derek, a Western Grey Kangaroo)

Collection Supervisor:

Kelly Orris

B.S. Degree, Michigan State University

Kelly began her zoological career here at the Center, and she has rapidly advanced to become an excellent keeper. Her affection for the animals and commitment to their well-being shows in every aspect of her daily duties. Kelly started an animal training program with some of  our  athletic and intelligent Agile wallabies, a fun and rewarding  endeavor!

(Photo: Kelly with Teebok, an Agile Wallaby)

Manager,

Giftshop/Tour Sales:

Kate Pika

B.S. Degree, Madonna College

Kate holds a degree in Business Administration, with emphasis on Marketing and Management. She has contributed a great deal of her time to helping  rescue abandoned domestic animals, particularly in stressful conditions such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Kate works on  marketing and promoting the Center.

(Photo: Kate "selling" our delicious and healthy popcorn!)

Assistant, Giftshop/Tour Sales:

Nicole Brown

B.S. Degree, North Carolina State Univ.

Nicole has no trouble operating our POS system and keeping track of giftshop inventory, as well as helping customers purchase admission tickets or find the perfect souvenir. She holds a degree in zoology and has found a good fit here at the Center with her experience in retail and her interest in animals.

(Photo: Nicole assisting visitors on the phone.)

Lead Animal Keeper:

Whitney Buchman

B.S. Degree, Iowa State University

Whitney shows compassion for and interest in all the animals at the Center, required traits to be an excellent animal keeper. Though kangaroos are not aggressive, they are strong animals and require a firm but gentle restraint - skills that Whitney can handle well. His excellent computer experience in troubleshooting and web design is evident in our  website, updated in 2008. He is a versatile staff member, ready and willing to assist where needed.

(Photo: Whitney with Sharmilla, an Agile Wallaby)

Advanced Animal Keeper:

Lori Varchmin

Associates Degree,

Columbus Technical Institute

Lori's degree is in Animal Health Technology. She has a special interest in marsupials and has accumulated 21 years of animal keeper experience! Coming from the Mid-West, she enjoys  working with kangaroos in our Southern climate and truly understands the unique qualities of kangaroos!

(Photo: Lori posing with a "kangaroo friend.")

Advanced Animal Keeper:

Susan Etherton

B. S. Degree, Eastern Illinois University

Susan has had a varied career, from volunteering in the Peace Corps in Africa to wildlife rehabilitation to zoo keeping. Her degree is in zoology. She has hand raised many exotic birds and joined our staff so she could work with kangaroos again!

 

(Photo: Susan  demonstrating her boomerang technique.)

Horticulturist/Grounds:

David DiVita

B. S. A. Degree, University of Georgia

B. A. Degree, Mercer University

With a background and degree in horticulture, David keeps the native and exotic flora at KCC healthy and green. Caring for and growing  plants around animals can be a delicate situation for both and requires attention to detail and concern for both flora and fauna. Visit the Center and appreciate the results of David's green thumb! 

 

(Photo: David trimming a Eucalyptus tree.)

Facility/Grounds/Maintenance:

Paul Martin

B.S. Degree, Western Kentucky University

Paul joined our staff in 2004 after gaining many years

of animal keeper experience at the Fort Worth Zoo. His strength is, without doubt, his willingness to work long and hard, at any task assigned to him. He helps to keep animal exhibits clean and maintained, critical to keeping animals healthy. Paul enjoys meeting guests and teaching visitors how to throw a boomerang on our tours!

(Photo: Paul ready to talk on a tour!)

Facility/Vehicle Maintenance:

Michael Klinger

Unlike many of our staff members, Mike is a native Georgian. If there's a vehicle out there that can't be fixed, Mike will fix it! His mechanical experience and skills keep our many work and tour vehicles ready. His resourcefulness is critical in maintaining our buildings and fixtures, such as our many fence lines!

(Photo: Michael behind the wheel of our 1968 original deuce and a half tour vehicle!)

Volunteer:

Suzanne Boeren

B.S. Degree, University of Central Florida

Suzanne is our most loyal volunteer! She comes from a family of animal lovers who have devoted themselves to animal rehabilitation of native animals. Suzanne is always willing to go the extra mile to perform jobs that are needed at the Center. She is often here on tour days and helps to educate visitors.

(Photo: Suzanne holding a colorful Bearded Dragon.)