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LESLIE GORDON
<br />ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST
<br />Leslie will work with the design team to provide conceptual designs for animal
<br />habitats and ensure successful fabrication and installation of habitat exhibits. In
<br />addition, Leslie will provide recommendations for the exhibit maintenance, related
<br />husbandry, and related educational programming necessary to enable the Zoo care
<br />team to use the habitat exhibits in line with industry best practices and the Zoo's
<br />program vision. Leslie has worked in the animal care profession for 25 years, at
<br />the Natural History Museum of LA County, LA Zoo, and various rescue centers as
<br />care staff, enrichment, senior staff management, as well as animal exhibit curation, curriculum writing and
<br />designing training, veterinary and husbandry manuals. Leslie's approach to husbandry is guided by: 1) the
<br />goal of deepening guest connections to wildlife and maintaining public confidence in professional animal
<br />care and 2) her dedication to responsible, sustainable care of collection animals that prioritizes both animal
<br />welfare and visitor experience. Her past range of experiences on exhibition design teams has given her deep
<br />understanding of collaboration, design process, budget and planning. Her recent experiences make her well
<br />versed in the modern "choice and control," approach to animal habitats, presentations, and handling.
<br />Education
<br />Loyola University of Chicago
<br />(BFA); areas of study include design & printmaking,
<br />sculpting painting, Museum studies & animal behavior
<br />LA Zoo Keeper Academy
<br />graduate of class and internship program
<br />Professional Certifications
<br />USDA -APHIS Containment Director, permit holder
<br />Permit holder for USDA, USFINS, CADFW
<br />Animal and Human First Aid/ CPR
<br />National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified
<br />interpretive Guide
<br />Experience
<br />Living Collections at the Natural
<br />History Museum of LA - 7998- present
<br />Senior Manager
<br />LA Zoo Enrichment Staff - 2000-2007
<br />Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery - 1998-1999
<br />Gallery Guide/ Education Staff
<br />Design, props, carpentry, welding, rigging in
<br />theatrical applications - 1993-1996
<br />DESCRIPTION OF ROLE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS:
<br />Nature Lab and Nature Gardens at NHM, Los Angeles County, CA, USA
<br />Role: Curation of Living Collections in the Nature Lab and Nature Gardens
<br />Leslie was a member of the exhibit design team in 2013 that created 3.5 acres of urban green space
<br />and a modern science "lab", in which to explore, learn and contribute to community science. The
<br />collection focuses on native and invasive species with a range of habitats that exemplify the highest
<br />standards of welfare and design. The Urban Wildlife Pond, Pollinator Feeders, and the live animal
<br />habitats in the Nature Lab, including those for rats, rattlesnake, pond turtles, newts and ants were
<br />designed and curated with Leslie's guidance and care. Her attention to detail, practicality and excellent
<br />welfare continue to contribute to the exhibits success, and longevity of the collection.
<br />ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:
<br />Living Collections at NHM, Los Angeles County,
<br />CA, USA, 1999-Present
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<br />Enrichment Department, LA Zoo, Los Angeles
<br />County, CA, USA, 2000-2007
<br />P& b o
<br />Reich&Patch SIGNS AND EXHIBITS
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