Written by Jungle Jill herself

My love and appreciation for animals began as a little girl and led me to pursue an animal related career. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and double majored in Biological Aspects of Conservation and Zoology.
Pics of me as a child!
After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to take a conservation course that landed me studying in the middle of the rain-forest of Ecuador. While I was spending time at the Tiputini Biodiversity Research Station of Ecuador, my friends back home dubbed me “Jungle Jill”.
Here I am under a HUGE leaf in Ecuador!
Traveling thru the jungle was an unforgettable, amazing, eye opening experience. I was able to see first hand animals living in the wild and the different adaptations they use to survive on a daily basis. I also witnessed the unfortunate human encroachment affecting the animals of the rainforest, as well as the astounding rate of deforestation.
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Realizing the need for conservation education and utilizing my degrees, I went from working in the education department of the Minnesota Zoo, to being the Curator of the Education Department at Wildlife World Zoo, here in Arizona. Eventually starting my own business...
Jungle Jill's Animal Encounters.
A few pics from my zoo days!
Baby Wallaby
King Vulture
Albino Burmese Python
In the 14+ years I have been providing animal BASED education, I have had the opportunity to work with some famous animal trainers such as, Jack Hanna (on numerous occasions),
Steve Martin of Natural Encounters Inc., and Julie Scardina of Sea World San Diego.
I have also appeared with animals on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and on Late Night with David Letterman. In addition to making nationally televised appearances, I have also appeared on many local television stations here in the valley, such as Channels 3, 5, 10, 12, and 15.

How Jungle Jill’s Animal Encounters Got Started

After having my first child in 2006, I found it terribly difficult to return to work even though I thoroughly enjoyed my zoo job. I had always envisioned myself being a stay at home mom when children came into my life. I soon realized I did not have to leave my animal career behind to do just that.
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A growing animal collection of my own, and having “Jungle Jill” as a long time nickname, led me to create Jungle Jill’s Animal Encounters.​ I was able to fulfill my wish of being a stay at home mom, while continuing to teach about the world’s animals. Win-win!

Mother by week, Jungle Jill by weekend!
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