Michael Cardamone

An individual with experience working with both wild and domestic animals, graduating with a degree in animal behavior and wellness. Offers a skill set valuable in guest engagement and animal care through background in customer service and animal care fields. Passionate about herpetology and improving the welfare and enrichment of animals in captivity while educating the public on proper animal husbandry and behavior.

Animal Educator and Caretaker at Prairie Grass Nature Museum

Aided in the education of children and adults, resulting in greater appreciation for reptiles, amphibians, and their environments. Assisted in feeding, handling, and enrichment for individual animals. Provided veterinary care including administering injections for shell rot treatment. Personally helped a Painted turtle with scute shedding issues, significantly improving its condition over a few months.

• Educated visitors on reptiles, amphibians, and their native environments
• Managed feeding, handling, and enrichment for multiple species
• Provided veterinary care including injections for shell rot treatment
• Treated Painted turtle scute shedding condition with successful results
• Worked with species including Eastern Fox Snake, Three-Toed box turtle, Ornate box turtle, two False Map turtles, Painted turtle, Red-Eared Slider, and Gray Tiger salamander

Bachelor's in Animal Behavior and Welfare / Herpetology – Carroll University (2022 – 2026)