I am a wildlife educator and storyteller devoted to helping people connect with the natural world. My career spans nearly three decades of hands-on interpretation, animal husbandry, and conservation messaging across zoos, aquaria, and community programs. I aim to inspire awareness and appreciation for all life by creating engaging learning environments and field experiences. As a certified voice actor and photographer, I communicate science with clarity and warmth, whether delivering live programs, producing educational pieces for media, or guiding behind-the-scenes tours. I value collaboration, safety, and curiosity, and I pursue opportunities that promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Robert Gillespie

I am a wildlife educator and storyteller devoted to helping people connect with the natural world. My career spans nearly three decades of hands-on interpretation, animal husbandry, and conservation messaging across zoos, aquaria, and community programs. I aim to inspire awareness and appreciation for all life by creating engaging learning environments and field experiences. As a certified voice actor and photographer, I communicate science with clarity and warmth, whether delivering live programs, producing educational pieces for media, or guiding behind-the-scenes tours. I value collaboration, safety, and curiosity, and I pursue opportunities that promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Available to hire

I am a wildlife educator and storyteller devoted to helping people connect with the natural world. My career spans nearly three decades of hands-on interpretation, animal husbandry, and conservation messaging across zoos, aquaria, and community programs. I aim to inspire awareness and appreciation for all life by creating engaging learning environments and field experiences.

As a certified voice actor and photographer, I communicate science with clarity and warmth, whether delivering live programs, producing educational pieces for media, or guiding behind-the-scenes tours. I value collaboration, safety, and curiosity, and I pursue opportunities that promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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Experience Level

Expert

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Seasonal Educator at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Zoo
September 30, 2023 - October 25, 2025
Seasonal Educator guiding guests, developing interpretive experiences; March–September 2023.
Lead private interpretive BTS guest tours at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Zoo
July 31, 2024 - October 25, 2025
Led private Behind-the-Scenes tours and interpretive experiences; provided safety guidelines.
Interpreter/Senior Guide - Caravans, Ultimate Safari, BTS/Safari Experiences at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Safari Park
September 30, 2021 - October 25, 2025
Accompanied Safari Park guests into field exhibits; provided interpretational experiences and safety guidelines; managed safari experiences.
Business Owner at Nature’s Window
September 30, 2014 - October 25, 2025
Conducted wildlife conservation programs for schools, libraries, daycare facilities, and hotels to promote awareness and appreciation of our natural world.
Senior Educator at Arimaw Productions
March 31, 2013 - October 25, 2025
Facilitated after-school and summer camps; husbandry of small vertebrates and invertebrates; developed programs.
Education Associate/OJT at Sealife Aquarium
November 30, 2011 - October 25, 2025
On-the-Job-Trainer; trained new staff on SOPs; created training tools; delivered public presentations; staff workshops; classroom programs.
Lead Educator at Agua Hedionda Discovery Center
June 30, 2009 - October 25, 2025
Designed PowerPoint programs and hands-on activities; taught 3rd grade ecology and natural history programs.
Senior Educator at San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park
February 28, 2005 - October 25, 2025
Facilitated on-site and outreach programs; trained animal ambassadors; contributed to conservation education and media exposure; led summer camp photography classes; on-air presentations; conservation programs.
Senior Educator at San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park
September 29, 2020 - October 24, 2025
Second tenure focusing on education, conservation and outreach programs; 2015-02-01 to 2020-09-30.

Education

at Franklin Institute of Boston
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025
Biology at Grossmont College
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025
Business at Massasoit Community College
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025
Photography at San Diego City College
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025

Qualifications

Certified Voice Actor
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization, Other