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ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST

Dedicated to the Health and Wellbeing of Our Wildlife

An Animal Care Specialist at North Texas Safari Park is a hands-on staff member responsible for the daily care and wellbeing of the animals while also interacting with guests.

They typically:

  • Handle feeding, cleaning, and general animal care
  • Monitor animal health and behavior
  • Assist during animal encounters and ensure safety
  • Educate visitors about the animals
Person kneeling beside a porcupine in a barn, livestock in background.

JANA WILD

Jana Wild is our Park Supervisor at North Texas Safari Park. She, too, plays a significant role in the operation of our park here–starting with us in August of 2022. She loves our porcupines, Snickers and Quilber. “Everybody walks into the petting zoo thinking they’re so scary when they’re really just spiky puppy dogs.” 

Person holding a black lemur near an animal enclosure outdoors.

SONORA WILD

Sonora Wild is our Animal Care Lead here at North Texas Safari Park.  She started in June of 2022, and has been a vital part of the husbandry of this park. Her favorite animals are the lemurs, especially her sweet baby Chaos. “They have so much personality and there’s never a dull moment with them.” Visit with Sonora during YOUR next lemur or sloth encounter. 

Person crouching next to a large porcupine inside a barn.

EMMA RINGRESSY

Emma is one of our newer caretakers. She joined us in March for the opening of the 2025 season. Her favorite animal at the park is the porcupines! 

Person petting a giraffe in an outdoor enclosure.

PAM STOCKTON

Pam is our beloved “gift shop staff”. She joined us at the beginning of the 2022 season. “My favorite has got to be the baby joeys…they are adorable!” Go visit with her in the gift shop, and she just might let you hold one of her favorite baby joeys.

Person in glasses holding a fennec fox in an enclosure.

DANA BERSTRASSER

Dana is a new member here at North Texas Safari Park, starting in spring of 2026. Her favorite animals are the Phoenix Foxes !

Man in blue shirt stands by lemurs on tree branches, holding a red cup.

ETHAN RUSSELL

Ethan is yet another new member joining us as of spring 2026. His favorites are the ringtail lemurs. Catch Ethan around our park this summer!

Gray silhouette of a person on a light gray background.

BEN

Ben is another new member, joining us in the 2026 spring season. His favorite animals are the goats! Come see Ben in the petting zoo.

Person kneeling beside a porcupine in a barn, livestock in background.

Meet Jana, one of our amazing leads here at North Texas Safari Park! She joined our team in August of 2022. Jana loves spending time in the petting zoo, especially with one of her favorite animals-the porcupines! You can also find her welcoming guests in the ticket booth or working in Texas Down Under, where visitors can enjoy up-close kangaroo encounters. 

Be sure to say hello to Jana during your next visit to NTSP!