For Jenna Caraccilo, every day is a chance to protect wildlife and inspire others to do the same. As a penguin and African zookeeper at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, she works hands-on with animals while helping advance global conservation efforts. Her academic journey, culminating in a master’s degree in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation from the University of Florida, gave her the tools to translate her lifelong dedication to animals into meaningful action.
“I wanted to develop and learn as many skills as I could about the conservation field,” Caraccilo said. “I was inspired by my job to pursue my master’s, and I knew this was the program I wanted to be a part of.”
Caraccilo began her academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a B.S. in Outdoor Recreation. She later pursued an animal behavior certificate from the University of Washington. In August 2019, she enrolled in UF’s online Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation program while living in Maryland with her wife, dog and four cats, completing her master’s degree in August 2021. The program’s forensic sciences component and reputation attracted Caraccilo. “I chose this program because I had heard that the classes and professors for this program were elite compared to other similar programs, and that was definitely true,” she said.
While earning her degree, Caraccilo continued working full-time at the zoo. Juggling both was challenging, but her enthusiasm for the subject kept her motivated. “It was definitely tough to balance but I stayed focused, and I was passionate about what I was learning so that made it easier,” she said. “The flexibility of the online classes also really helped with working at the same time.”
Her extensive coursework built her confidence in the field, with professors who made the material engaging and impactful. She now applies that knowledge directly to her work. “As a zookeeper, zoos work personally with conservation projects and organizations,” she said. “Having the knowledge about conservation helps spread that to other people who are visiting the zoo and in turn helps the animals if people are aware of the overall mission to conserve species.”
Today, Caraccilo finds fulfillment in the daily connection between her zookeeper role and her larger purpose. “I love that I am working every day towards a bigger picture. Protecting species, the planet, working with other conservation organizations and making change in the world,” she said. “These are such inspiring and fun things to work for every day. The love for animals led me to both being a zookeeper and studying wildlife forensics.”
Caraccilo offers parting advice to prospective and fellow students navigating the program. “Definitely do it!” she said. “It gives you such an intensive and unique look at working in conservation. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The UF Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation online program offers a Master of Science in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation, a Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation, and online non-degree courses. The program allows students to interact with the content in an asynchronous, online-delivery format on their schedules while taking coursework covering contemporary issues in domestic and international wildlife protection and conservation, current laws and regulations, and the handling and interpretation of evidence found in wildlife crime activities. The program is designed for students and working professionals in wildlife conservation, ecology, and animal protection. Explore programs and apply online.