Erika Bristow has extensive experience working with exotic animals through her education at Moorpark College where she received certificates in exotic animal training, management, and wildlife education. She has worked in various animal training and care roles at facilities like uShaka Marine World, Umgeni River Bird Park, and The Wildlife Company. Bristow currently owns her own avian business called Best Avian Advice and works as an animal trainer for 1st Class Animals and Performing Animal Troup.

1. ERIKA M. BRISTOW
268 Rockhill Rd, Vista CA 92084
760-898-0342
Erika.m.bristow@icloud.com
EDUCATION
GRADUATE (2008-May 2010)
Moorpark College EATM Program Moorpark CA
I completed the Exotic Animal Training and Management program in Moorpark California. Various classes
were taken including but not limited to Animal Behavior, Animal Diversity, Animal Nutrition, Animal anatomy and
physiology,Vet Lab, Vet lecture, Wildlife Education, Animal Ethics, Animal Training and Zoo skills. Hands on
experience with training of exotic animals, diet evaluations and medical care for a variety of exotic animal species
including: Spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, African servals, Macaws, Sheep, Llamas, Puma, Coati, and birds of
prey.
Certificates obtained in the following:
Exotic animal Training
Wildlife Education
Exotic animal Management
STUDENT (2001-SPRING 08)
Mira Costa College Oceanside CA
I received credits in advanced photography techniques,primatology, psychology, horticulture and public
speaking from this school.
ANIMAL JOB EXPERIENCE
OWNER (AVIAN SPECIALIST AND EDUCATOR) (JAN2015-CURRENT)
Best Avian Advice
Erika Bristow San Diego,, CA
Avian training, expert advice and behavior management.
ANIMAL TRAINER (ANIMAL WRANGLER/ANIMAL TRAINER) (MARCH2015-CURRENT)
1st Class Animals
Jae Van Palmdale, CA
Special events,birthday parties and contract work with animals.
ANIMAL TRAINER (CONTRACT TALENT/ANIMAL TRAINER) (FEB 2015-CURRENT)
Performing Animal Troup
Cathy Pittman Palmdale, CA
Contracted for print add dog training and video work for Petco. Assist with animal photo shoots.
SENIOR AVIAN BEHAVIORIST (AVIARY MANAGER) (JAN 2011-MAY2014)
uShaka Marine World Durban, KZN
Merle Bateman
I was in charge of the aviary at uShaka Kidz World. This includes but is not limited to feeding, cleaning,
training and medical care for the variety of bird species living on site. Educational presentations as well as bird
experience with guests also mandatory. I am also required to assist in a number of child entertainment activities
when required.

2. TRAINERS ASSISTANT (VOLUNTEER) (APRIL 2010-AUGUST 2010)
uShaka Sea World Durban, KZN
Collette Bodenstaff, 031-32-88220
I was required to assist with diet preparation for the animals and the cleaning of animal enclosures.I would
also assist with behind the scenes showduties. Duties also included helping with the weighing of the seals and end
of the day data capture.
BIRD TRAINER (CONSULTANT) (MAY 2010-CURRENT)
Umgeni River Bird Park Durban, KZN
Tarryn Bristow, 082-498-4418
My original role at the bird park included the feeding and diet management of the birds as well as cleaning of
the enclosures.Duties also included training of the Macaws and other birds at the park. I also created daily
enrichment plans for the birds. Assisting with the releasing and retrieving of birds during shows was also required.
Since my employment as uShaka Marine World I am still asked intermittently to come help train bird park staff in
the proper ways of catching and restraining large birds for various husbandry and medical procedures.
ZOOKEEPER/OUTREACH ASSISTANT (VOLUNTEER) (JAN 07-AUG 08)
The Wildlife Company Vista, CA
Jessica Leigh, (760) 439-6444
My duties here included feeding of the animals and cleaning of there enclosures.Duties also included assisting
with the training of the animals as well as creating enrichment plans for the animals. On several occasions the job
included assisting with animal outreach programs across California.
ELEPHANT WATCH DATA RECORDER (VOLUNTEER) (NOV 7-AUG 08)
The San Diego Wild Animal Park Escondido CA
Jeff Andrews (760) 738-5063
Working for the Wild Animal Park’s C.R.E.S. program monitoring the nursing habits of
the elephant calves at the park for up to eight hours at a time during the night.
NON ANIMAL RELATED EMPLOYMENT
FOOD SERVER (SEP 08-NOV 09)
Elephant Bar Simi Valley Simi Valley, CA
Matt Fransisco (805)584-9119
Served guests food and beverages.Utilized customer service skills and selling techniques.
TASTING ROOM SERVER (MAR 08-AUG 08)
Mount Palomar Winery Temecula, CA
Melany Hartman, (951) 676-5047
Educating customers about wines and the wine industry,as well as selling wine and hosting private events on
the property.
NIGHT BAR SUPERVISOR (JAN 07-FEB 08)
Temecula Creek Inn Resort Temecula, CA
Kathy Mc Duffy (951) 587-1465
Duties included bartending for the resort five nights a week, as well as serving for a bank for the serving staff
at the end of the evening. Responsibilities also included keeping detailed inventory of the product.

3. DAY MANAGER (JUNE 06-JAN 07)
Yen Fusion Sushi Temecula CA
(No longer in business)
My duties included but were not limited to, running the bar, serving food and resolving costumer service
issues.
FOOD SERVER (JAN 05-JUN 06)
Black Angus Steak House Temecula CA
Rick Nelms, (951) 699-8000
The service and promotion of food and spirits at the restaurant.
SERVER/ROOM SERVICE ATTENDANT (JAN 03-JAN 05)
The Pala Mesa Resort Fallbrook CA
Lynn Martucci (760) 728-5881
Began employment as a hostess,promoted to lead room service attendant and attained serving experience
before leaving for a more lucrative employment opportunity.