SCAS Welcomes Audrey Smith from the Brevard Zoo to December Meeting

By Jason Frederick

Please join us at the Rockledge Presbyterian Church on the evening of December 15th at 7:30 p.m. as we welcome guest speaker from the Brevard Zoo, Audrey Smith.

Audrey was born and raised in Titusville and studied at Daytona Beach Community College where she earned her degree in Photographic Technology centered on wildlife photography.

At age 18, she began volunteering at the C.A.R.E. Foundation, a non-profit private group that rescues exotic animals and gives outreaches to the public. With them she cared for and trained big cats, a variety of reptiles including crocodilians, and assorted small mammals. In July of 2002, she gained employment at the Central Florida Zoological Park in charge of their Animal Commissary and animal nutrition and held that position for 3.5 years. In 2003 she began volunteering at Medtoxin Laboratories learning the husbandry and safe handling of venomous snakes, and learning about venom and its effects on the human body. In April 2005, she started contracting as a kayak tour guide for Brevard ZooÕs ecotours, and in September, she left Central Florida Zoo to become the Lead Adventure Guide, which is the assistant position to her current position. This past January, the Interpretive Services Coordinator position opened up, and she was promoted to it. She is now using the CoordinatorÕs responsibilities to enhance the Interpretive Services Department, improve their staff, and offer more opportunities for guests.