Olivia Cen

I am a fourth-year marine and freshwater biology student at the University of Guelph who has also done a semester abroad at Essex University in the UK. 

Due to my upbringing, in addition to my academics and work experience, my passion lies in animal husbandry, with a key interest in animal behaviour. I am a passionate hard worker who strives to provide the upmost care for the animals in my care. 

I have two summers of professional work in the zoological industry, with plenty of hands on animal experience. I have experience in animal training & socialization, working with animals during veterinary examinations, cleaning and sanitizing enclosures, and in animal nutrition.

I am comfortable working with a wide range of both animal species and personalities. My professional career has seen me specializing in working with large exotic animals, in addition to casually working with canines and equines. 

I look forward to what the future brings me and take any opportunities as a chance to learn and grow as both an individual and a professional in the field.

African Lion Safari Cambridge, ON

Animal Attendant  May 2023 - August 2023

• Assisted with veterinary procedures concerning the White Rhinoceros.
• Handled a variety of different feed products - such as feed bags up to 40lbs, feed mills, vitamins, and hay - to ensure the animals’ daily nutrient intake has been met.
• Worked in a team to move animals between their indoor enclosure and outside, including kangaroos, rhinos, giraffes, and baboons.
• Performed general maintenance around the park to ensure cleanliness, such as lawn maintenance, painting, cutting brush, sweeping, and power washing.
• Cleaned the enclosures of a variety of exotic animals, including giraffes, rhinos, baboons, antelopes, and lions.

Marineland  Niagara, ON

Marine Mammal Caregiver May 2022 - August 2022

• Prepared the daily feeds for 36 beluga whales and orca, customizing each feed to individual needs and adhering to stringent health, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Worked in a team of up to 10 to provide the daily feedings, enrichment, training, and health checks for 36 beluga whales.
• Performed daily observations on multiple pools of whales to take note of overall physical health and behaviour, with emphasis on counting breaths per minute, interactions between whales, spitting out food, and overall body conditions.
• Administered oral and topical medication to whales to improve and maintain overall health.
• Assisted guests in both English and French when approached with questions.
• Scrubbed the bottom of pools to maintain cleanliness, water quality, and health of the whales.

YoYo Teahouse Mississauga, ON

Bubble Tea Barista August 2019 - August 2021

• Promoted new and popular menu items, providing nutrition information and tailored data to customers unsure of what to order and those with special dietary needs.
• Assisted in the development of new menu items using customers’ feedback and personalized suggestions to optimize recipes.
• Prepared hot and cold beverages to exact specifications, customizing drinks to exceed customer expectations.

Daytime Grill Burlington, ON

Cashier May 2017 - January 2018

• Maintained and built relationships with 100+ customers daily through excellent customer service.
• Assisted with setting up the floor before opening and aided in after closing by calculating the drinks inventory, rolling new silverware, and cleaning the floor.
• Trained new cashiers through the demonstration of daily tasks, such as using the POS system, clearing tables, and taking call in and walk in orders.

University of Guelph Guelph, ON

Bachelor of Science, Marine and Freshwater Biology  Expected Graduation Date: 2024

• Recipient of:
  • $3000 Entrance Scholarship for a cumulative entrance average of 85%+
  • Inclusive Study Abroad Travel Award of $4000
• Dean’s Honour List
• Varsity student athlete - Fencing 
• Current coursework: Aquaculture: Advanced Issues, Limnology of Natural & Polluted Waters, Marine & Freshwater Research, and Animal Behaviour

Essex University     Colchester, England

Study Abroad          January 2024 - June 2024

• Coursework: Coral Reef Biology, Marine Biology Field Skills, Tropical Marine Field Research Skills, and Wildlife Biology