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This week's guest is LeShea Cochu, Animal Care Supervisor of Birds, Mammals, and Ambassadors at the Chattanooga Zoo. She is also freshly postpartum and had only been back to work for a few weeks at the time of this interview!

LeShea shares how early in her career working with elephants and giraffes, a workplace injury unexpectedly led her from large mammals to smaller ambassador species—a change that, while difficult, ultimately revealed her true passion for education and outreach.

Now, as a supervisor at the Chattanooga Zoo, she manages more than twenty staff members while navigating the challenges of leadership and the ever-changing rhythms of zoo life.

LeShea opens up about becoming a mom later in life, fertility struggles, and the realities of being postpartum while working in the zoo field. She shares insights on returning to work postpartum, setting boundaries, and finding purpose amid the chaos of raising two young boys and managing a dynamic zoo team.

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Email: motheringwildlife@gmail.com

Click here to send me a text! Have a story to share or just want to chat? Let's connect - because moms need moms!

Join me this week as I talk to Morgan Duffy, an Animal Hospital Keeper at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. As a hospital keeper, Morgan gets to see and take care of so many different species - from those entering into quarantine upon arrival at the zoo to those needing treatment due to injury or illness.

Morgan and I talk about how her job, working in the Animal Hospital, has impacted her motherhood journey. From finding out she was pregnant shortly after starting, to having to sit out certain procedures due to pregnancy, and now navigating having two small children with the emotional load of caring for animals and keepers alike, sometimes during very stressful or sad times. The life of a hospital keeper is never the same two days in a row!

Mothering Wildlife links:
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Email: motheringwildlife@gmail.com

Click here to send me a text! Have a story to share or just want to chat? Let's connect - because moms need moms!

My guest this week is Jess Sorrentino, a Development Associate (and cheetah enthusiast!) for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Her current role primarily involves building partnerships with zoos; however, last year, she helped to organize the Global Cheetah Summit, and she occasionally balances travel with remote work. With a background in animal care as a zookeeper, she transitioned into conservation work by staying in touch with Cheetah Conservation Fund after an internship there, volunteering when possible, and seizing opportunities (like caring for confiscated cubs in Somaliland!).

Jess candidly discusses the challenges of being a working mom — from navigating pregnancy as a keeper, to balancing childcare, to managing emotions and the emotional load of parenting a spirited toddler.

Her advice to other moms in the field: don’t compare yourself to others, trust your gut when making career decisions, and prioritize the fleeting moments of childhood.

Mothering Wildlife links:
Facebook MotheringWildlifePodcast
Instagram @motheringwildlife
Email: motheringwildlife@gmail.com