Adam G. Stern
Qualifications 20+ years of experience at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility Knowledgeable about the husbandry, handling, and diet preparation and monitoring of zoo animals, including reptiles, amphibians, freshwater and marine fish, invertebrates, primates, raptors and psittacines Experienced at training crocodilians and mammals Assisted with zoo animal veterinary procedures for reptiles, birds, and mammals 25+ years of experience handling dangerous species, including venomous reptiles, crocodilians and large breed hoofed mammals, and licensed to possess venomous reptiles 20+ years handling fragile species, including corals, glass frogs, and pygmy chameleons 7 years of experience as a Miami-Dade County Certified Supervisor Experienced at providing excellent customer service and working courteously with the public Proficient in the standard zoological software applications including POPLINK, and ZIMS
Experience 2018-present Contracted Researcher, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Conduct a multiple-county survey of Miami cave crayfish to determine presence and range in the Biscayne Aquifer Manage a $14,000 budget, prepare reports, and provide data to assist the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in determining listing potential for the species
2008-present Senior Ectotherm Keeper, Zoo Miami Manage all reptile (venomous and non-venomous), amphibian, fish and invertebrate exhibits Make recommendations for animal diet changes and conduct annual animal inventory Prepare animals for shipping and receive incoming animal shipments Maintain large aquatic exhibits using SCUBA Supervise up to 8 staff and serve as on-site supervisor for Amazon and Beyond Oversee equipment, uniform and shoe requirements for ectotherm department Recommend hiring actions and prepare staff evaluations and schedules Serve as Firearm Custodian for the Zoo Miami Gun Team by conducting inventories of all on-site firearms and targets and oversee range times of zoo gun team members Maintain the AZA studbook for the Vietnamese Pond Turtle Co-chair sessions at Turtle Survival Alliance annual conferences
2006-2008 Children’s Zoo Manager, Zoological Society of Florida Managed a collection of animals that included of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates and acquired exhibit animals for Amazon and Beyond Performed and supervised staff that performed care duties including hoof trimming of ungulates and wing and beak clipping for Psittacines and birds of prey Raised funds, obtained permits, and oversaw construction of an outdoor holding area Hired and supervised 6-7 staff, prepared work schedules, and administered evaluations Oversaw preparation for AZA, FWC, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections and maintained compliance with standards Managed a budget to pay salaries and procure supplies and uniforms Was first to breed Puerto Rican crested toads at Zoo Miami and received an AZA recognition award
2001-2006 Zoo Senior Keeper, Zoological Society of Florida Supervised 6-7 staff and coordinated daily operations Worked as part of the University of Florida’s (UF) Butterfly Conservation Initiative Served as representative for the Terrestrial Invertebrates Taxon Advisory Group Named Species Survival Plan (SSP) leader for the Vietnamese Pond Turtle studbook by the AZA and developed the current studbook Developed educational programs, acquired animals, designed exhibits, and trained 4-5 staff and volunteers at Hope Zoo, Kingston, Jamaica Assisted with attaching radio transmitters on Jamaican iguanas at Hope Zoo, Kingston, Jamaica
1997-2001 Zoo Keeper, Zoological Society of Florida Performed educational and outreach shows at the zoo, special events and fundraisers Cared for animals used in educational shows, the contact yard, and exhibits Worked as part of the University of Florida’s (UF) Butterfly Conservation Initiative Developed educational programs, acquired animals, designed exhibits, assisted with attaching radio transmitters on Jamaican iguanas, and trained 4-5 staff and volunteers at Hope Zoo, Kingston, Jamaica
1995-1997 Aviary Assistant, The Resort at Fisher Island Club Cared for 18 bird species in the Aviary Department by preparing diets and maintaining cages Disseminated educational information to hotel guests and island residents
Training 2018 Active Shooter Training, Federal Emergency Management Agency 2014 Time management; Increasing safety 2013 Safety awareness training program; Emotional intelligence 2011 Supervisory leadership development program 2007 Crocodilian biology and captive management; Envenomations online course 2004 Successful exhibit design 2003 Population management 1 and 2 2002 Bat husbandry and protocol, Lubee Bat Conservancy 2001 Venomous snake handling, invertebrate care and fish quarantine 1999 Fish husbandry and animal enrichment 1998 Captive coral propagation
Publications Augustine, L., A. Stern, E. Perez, and G. S. Rodriguez. In Press. Crocodylus rhombifer (Cuban crocodile) subcaudal scale irregularities. Herpetology Notes. Stern, A. “Puerto Rican crested toads.” Connect. April 2008. Stern, A. “Studbooks: a crucial record.” Reptiles. November 2006:54-59. Stern, A. “Drosophila on the fly.” Reptiles. May 2006:72-77. Stern, A. “Introduced pythons in Florida.” Toucan Talk. January 2006. Stern, A. “Reef aquariums.” Toucan Talk. January 2005.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS Stern, A. 2016. Fifteen-year update on rescued Malaysian giant pond turtles, Orlitia borneensis, at Zoo Miami. In A. Walde and D. Riedle (eds.). Program and Abstracts of the Fourteenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Turtle Survival Alliance, New Orleans, LA. 53 pp. Stern, A. 2011. Ten-year update on rescued Malaysian giant pond turtles, Orlitia borneensis, at Zoo Miami. In A. Walde and E. Walton (eds.). Program and Abstracts of the Ninth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Turtle Survival Alliance, Orlando, FL. 52 pp. Stern A. 2001. Scavengers in the Zoo. AAZK Annual Conference Proceedings: 88-91.