Image
Brandon Davis is an Animal Training Supervisor for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment in Orlando, Florida. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Brandon grew up enjoying nature and the outdoors and soon realized how important it was to protect and foster it. During his undergraduate work at Davidson (NC) College, Brandon volunteered at the Carolina Raptor Center as a rehabilitator for sick and injured birds-of-prey. Before receiving his degree in Biology, he was honored to have been chosen as host student for visiting scientist Dr. Jane Goodall, whose passion and commitment was contagious and further fed his interest in conservation. Recently, Brandon has coordinated a collaborative effort between the University of Central Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, the Smithsonian National Zoo, and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute to examine the transition to nutritional independence in pinniped pups in an effort to improve the husbandry of sea lions within zoological facilities.
Brandon’s professional career began at the Columbus Zoo before eventually leading to SeaWorld Orlando. His experience includes working with a variety of animal species, including marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and killer whales, as well as various species of birds and small mammals. As the supervisor of SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassador Team, Brandon was able to witness how much impact even the smallest of animals can have on people and their interest in helping the environment. In addition, as a volunteer for the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Brandon has had the privilege of seeing how people’s support can directly impact conservation efforts in the field. For the past several years, Brandon has also had the privilege to serve as SeaWorld Orlando’s animal ambassador and spokesman throughout the country. He particularly enjoys bringing animals into the classroom where he tries to help children realize that they too can make a difference and hopefully become tomorrow’s conservation leaders. Brandon looks forward to gathering with colleagues and mentors as a participant in the 2013-2014 Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders Program.