Staff
Jackie Navarro . Director/Compound Manager
Jackie Navarro is a veteran of the wild animal world. Her personal safari began in 1989 taking her from California Polytechnic University into various roles such as: zookeeper, zoo educator, trainer, behavioral consultant, presenter, and show producer and consultant.
Jackie has been affiliated with several zoos including: Columbus, Charles Paddock, Santa Ana, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park, where she performed in front of thousands. These experiences combined with a need for grassroots wildlife education programs in southern California eventually led her to the formation of her own company, Wild Wonders, Inc. in 1991.
Currently, Jackie travels throughout the United States with her animal ambassadors charming children and adults alike through personal appearances, performances, media opportunities, and other related interactions. Jackie’s drive and determination, along with her contacts in the animal world are only a few of her great assets that have helped Wild Wonders to grow into one of the foremost wildlife education organizations in the west. She has a genuine love of animals, children and a desire to educate people about the natural world.
*Member of American Association of Zookeepers, American Zoological Association, California Association for the Gifted, California Kindergarten Association, International Zoo Educators, the Association of Professional Wildlife Educators
Kimberly Wright – Animal Care/Programs Manager
Kimberly Wright is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and marine sciences. She has a varied background of animal handling experience, working both in zoological parks and marine aquariums. Her experience includes many aspects of animal training, veterinary procedures, behavioral enrichment, husbandry, and educational presentations. As part of her dedication to wildlife conservation and education, she actively participates in biological research, both domestic and international.
“Working for Wild Wonders gives me a unique opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for the natural world by exposing and educating others about the extraordinary animals we share this world with.”
Tamara Green – Keeper / Educator
Tamara Green started at Wild Wonders as a volunteer and has now moved into a zookeeper/educator position. She has hands-on experience with a variety of animals. Tamara has specialized in handrearing and behavioral issues of avian exotics for the past 5 years. She has a great love for all animals.
“The opportunity to work with all the amazing animals of Wild Wonders is a dream come true! Sharing the up close and personal experience of people of all ages interacting and learning about these animals is a pure joy!”
Donna Lawson – Keeper / Educator
Donna pursued her lifelong affinity with animals when she started volunteering for Wild Wonders in 2005 as a Zookeeper Aide. She subsequently took on the responsibilities of Volunteer Coordinator. Donna is also an area coordinator and volunteer member of the Opossum Home Care team for a local wildlife rehabilitation organization where she rescues, rehabilitates sick, injured and/or orphaned opossums and releases them back into the wild. Donna has a BS in Business Management and is a member of the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association.
“I am proud to be a part of the Wild Wonders organization which allows me to directly contribute to conservation of our world’s precious wildlife. It’s such a privilege to work with a dedicated group of fellow wildlife advocates and the most fascinating collection of animals.”
Kim Harris – Keeper / Educator
Kim H. graduated from San Diego State University in ’07 with a major in Biology. Before becoming a volunteer at Wild Wonders in February of ’08, Kim spent a lot of her time helping at different Dog Boarding Kennels (giving meds., grooming, feeding and of course helping with behavior. After being hired on as one of the full time staff in February ’10 she has specialized in the training of Archimedes (Great-Horned Owl), and Acacia (Bat-eared Fox), with Acacia winning a special place at the top of Kim’s “favorites” list. Kim has also started doing public shows as well as already presenting animals during numerous compound tours. Last but definately not least Kim enjoys taking care of her Blue Pitbull, Kai, which often consists of a joyous time down at Dog Beach in Del Mar.
Kayla Astl – Keeper / Educator
Knowing that her place in life was to educate the public about animals, Kayla attended University of California Irvine for four years until she graduated in ’08 with a major in Biology and a minor in Education. Shortly after graduation Kayla started working at Sea World in San Diego as an educator on many of the behind-the-scenes tours that are provided. She joined Wild Wonders as a volunteer in October of ’08 and continued to volunteer until she was hired on part-time in June ’09. She is now one of the most experienced public speakers and does shows for Wild Wonders 3 times a week while juggling being a Penguin Keeper at Sea World as well. With all that going on Kayla still makes sure to spend lots of time with her loving Pug, Mocha aka Pudgy Princess. At the compound Kayla’s favorite friends are the Binturongs, Mika the Kinkajou, and zipties…they can fix anything.
Ashley Robinson – Keeper / Educator
In 2008, Ashley Robinson, graduated from San Diego State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Ashley volunteered at many shelters, providing food, water, medical attention and a warm heart to all the animals under he care. Shortly after, in January ’09, Ashley started volunteering at Wild Wonders to begin gaining more knowledge while staying on a possible career path. After doing a summer internship with Wild Wonders Ashley was hired on as one of the staff members in October ’09. She has become very experienced as she does numerous shows every week for children and adults of all ages. During all of Ashley’s interacting with the different animals at Wild Wonders she has grown especially close with Sitka (Arctic Fox), who loves to climb even though she can’t. On her off days Ashley is busy taking care of her cat (Nathan), her Bearded Dragon, and her Boxer- Shar Pei mix (Riley).
Jaimee Lafleur – Keeper / Educator
Jaimee Lafleur graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2007 with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Psychology. She volunteered as a dog trainer at a local animal shelter throughout high school and college, which is where she realized she wanted to work with animals as a career. In February 2009, Jaimee started volunteering at Wild Wonders to gain experience with exotic animals. After completing a three month internship in late 2009, she was hired on as a part-time staff member. She has learned a lot since joining Wild Wonders and now brings animals to many shows every week, giving the public a chance to learn about wildlife. In addition to Wild Wonders, Jaimee works part-time as a Tour Guide at the San Diego Zoo. When she’s not working, she is usually hanging out at the beach with her 2-year-old Border Collie, Cali.
Jennifer James – Office Manager
In December ’09, Jennifer James was hired on as the Office Manager at Wild Wonders. She takes care of bookings for shows and tours as well as ordering supplies and food for the animals. Before coming to Wild Wonders Jennifer volunteered at Keepers of the Wild in Las Vegas for 10 years, providing for a large variety of different animals that came to them for care. She also helped at various Veternarian Hospitals as well as volunteering at the Human Society for 5 years. Jennifer graduated with a degree in Psychology and Interior Design and is also a Certified Professional Organizer, perfect for keeping the office in working order. She has grown close with many of Wild Wonders reptile friends, especially Peaches (Boa), who has become the office pet in an attempt to socialize her more so she can provide entertainment and knowledge for our guests at shows. When not at Wild Wonders she is spending time with the love of her life, daughter Izabella.
