Who We Are

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.

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.

After graduating with a BS from Cal Poly SLO, Becki Brunelli attended the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College, and then earned a PhD in Animal Behavior at UC Davis. Besides creating enrichment to encourage natural behaviors, providing animal care, and coordinating administration, she also teaches Biology at CSU Chico.

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!

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!