Nikki Maticic started as a keeper at the National Zoo’s Quarantine Department in 2015, before transferring to the Lion/Tiger, Andean Bear, and Kids’ Farm Unit in early 2016. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Mary Washington. She studied abroad in South Africa and the Galapagos while in undergrad. Between summers in college, she worked as an animal keeper and outreach program keeper at a small animal park, and worked for several months in wildlife rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center of Virginia after graduating. She works each day alongside other keepers in her unit to take care of the animals by preparing food, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment and training, and much more!
