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Tarren Wagener Wiggans does a lot of great things for the Fort Worth Zoo, and her efforts reach both near and far. If you’ve read my blogs and learned about all the conservation programs that the Zoo is involved in, then you know what Tarren Wagener Wiggans and her conservation team to have been doing. If you’ve visited the Zoo and attended a Wild Encounter presentation or watched a Zoo-dunit unfold at the Lone Star Mystery, then you have Tarren Wagener Wiggans and her Wild Wonders team to thank. (By the way, both Wild Encounters and Lone Star Mystery are now back at the Zoo. Click here for a schedule of show times.) Additionally, Tarren works with nutritional services, animal collections and animal health.
Sound like a job you might enjoy? Here’s Tarren’s full story:
What is your educational/professional background?
I have a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in animal science, a master of science in ethology (the study of animal behavior) and am currently a Ph.D candidate for experimental psychology.
How long have you worked at the Fort Worth Zoo?
I began working at the Zoo in 1993.
Explain your job responsibilities.
I am responsible for the advancement and direction of the Fort Worth Zoo’s animal programs, including animal health, nutritional services, animal collections, animal outreach and conservation.
Tarren helped create the "Lone Star Mystery" stage show. The show's stars include tons of animals, such as this opossum.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people I get to work with make my job worthwhile. I have an incredible team of dedicated and passionate peers.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The nit-picky administrative tasks can get to be a bit much.
Explain a “typical” day of work.
I go to a lot of meetings. Meetings, meetings and more meetings.
Of all the animals you have worked with, which do you find the most fascinating?
The Turks and Caicos iguana. I’ve had the privilege of working with this species in the wild. It is a fascinating (and endangered) creature.
Tarren enjoys spending time in the field, especially when she is working with the endangered Turks and Caicos iguana.
What advice do you have for kids who are interested in following your career path?
Take any job in the field, no matter what it pays – even if it means volunteering and not getting paid at all. It is a small field, so getting your foot in the door and doing your best no matter what the job will open many other doors.
Tarren's advice to you: get experience in the field whenever and wherever you can!
