Meet Ricki Moore, our newest Conservation Educator! Ricki brings a passion for wildlife and making conservation fun and engaging. Whether she's leading programs on reptiles or endangered species, taking care of the museum's animal ambassadors, or sharing conservation tips with visitors, Ricki is always ready for the next adventure. And yes, there was that one time an Indigo Snake decided to go inside her shirt during a presentation!
Get to know more about Ricki's journey and her dedication to protecting Mississippi's natural wonders in our latest blog post.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?
I’ve worked at the museum for a few months.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
On any given day, you can catch me leading a Reptile or an Endangered Species program, taking care of the animal ambassadors, and speaking with the public about conservation education in Mississippi.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
One day, I was presenting our Indigo Snake to a group of 3rd graders, and the snake crawled completely into my shirt! I had to go into a separate room to get him out.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
I have a Bachelors of Science from Mississippi State University in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science. I have interned for multiple agencies including U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Nature Conservancy, Longleaf Alliance, and U.S. Forest Service. I’ve also worked as a zookeeper and a veterinary technician for companion animals.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
I’ve always watched Crocodile Hunter and wanted to work with animals of ALL species in terms of conservation.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
My job contributes to conservation by educating the public on conservation efforts that we as the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are enacting, as well as spreading awareness on what’s happening to our native wildlife, plants, and aquatics.
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
My advice to breaking into this field is networking. I had never hunted or fished until I was 22 years old in college so everything that I knew about wildlife came from television or books. Volunteering is a great way to get hands-on experience and to get your name out there.
