Our digital series, Pride In Our People, features the incredible staff at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium through written first-person narratives and/or podcast interviews.

Today, we are featuring Jen, one of the Aquarists!
This is her story…

I have always wanted to work with sharks and fish. After I watched Jaws when I was little, I was hooked. I knew this is what I wanted to do. I got my start in this field in 1988 when I started volunteering at the National Aquarium in Washington DC. I fell in love.

I love working with different types of species in one tank who all need different kinds of care and food. I love that there is always something new and exciting at the PPG Aquarium. I also like that it’s easier to change a tank of fish around than it is to change an exhibit area in the Zoo.

Another huge part of my job is the Sea Turtle Second Chance Program. This program helps cold-stunned turtles in the Northeast. When they arrive, some are injured and have pneumonia. The other aquarists and I get to help the vet staff nurse these turtles back to health.  There isn’t anything better than rehabbing sea turtles and then releasing them back into the ocean. This program is truly one of the best parts of my job.

Thank you for all you do, Jen!