About Us
Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things was founded in 1987 for the purpose of housing and caring for displaced wildlife. With the help of these animal ambassadors, we have been educating the public with a message of conservation and appreciation for natural wonders for over 35 years. Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things provides a home for over 60 species of wildlife. These animals are shared in our wildlife education presentations, which we offer to thousands of school children every year. Our hope is that through meeting these animals and hearing their stories, future generations will gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Our Team
Gabe Kerschner
Gabe Kerschner founded Wild Things in 1988 after graduating from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College, with the goal of not only providing a home for animals in need, but also sharing with others a respect for wildlife and an understanding of wildlife conservation. He loves puns and jokes, and always brings lots of smiles and laughs to his programs.
Director
Jojo Kerschner
It runs in the family! Jojo Kerschner takes after his dad and loves educating about wildlife and conservation. He grew up around animals, and continues to teach others about respecting and protecting our wildlife.
Wildlife Educator
Becki Brunelli, PhD
Becki Brunelli attended the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College and continued on to earn a PhD in Animal Behavior at UC Davis. Besides creating enrichment to encourage natural behaviors in the animals at our center, and helping with animal care and education, she also teaches Biology at CSU Chico.
Assistant Curator
Krista Korenko
Krista graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College, and then worked for Wild Things for several years. Eventually life moved her away from the area and onto other animal jobs. But after starting a family and moving back to the area she is back with us at Wild Things again!
Animal Caretaker
Elsa Arriola
Elsa has always had a passion for animals from a young age. She worked at SeaWorld as a zoological assistant for a year and a half, and then started a position at Conservation Ambassador’s Wild Things to pursue her passion of working hands on with rescued wildlife. Her favorite animals are rodents!
