Marley Mann

Point Defiance AAZK presents…

Zoo Star Marley Mann – November 2014

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Washington State University, Marley Mann decided to pursue a career in zoo keeping by volunteering as an educational interpreter and red wolf observer at PDZA in 2011. After about a year of donating his time at the zoo, Marley was hired on as a Zoological Aide in Kid’s Zone and has since been working in the area. Growing up in Tacoma, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is his favorite zoo and believes PDZA has the coolest animals around. Having always loved the clouded leopards, Marley admits that the goats he works with are some of his favorite animals at PDZA.

When not working at PDZA during the day, Marley keeps busy with another job working evening shift at Western State Hospital in Lakewood (a well-known psychiatric hospital). What most people may not know about Marley is that not only can he capture and restrain an animal when necessary, but humans as well. “I have 2 unusual jobs,” he claims. “Most people are satisfied with one.”

Even though working and sleeping take a majority of Marley’s time right now, he also loves to read, watch T.V., and enjoys playing video games. Having an interest in fantasy, one of Marley’s favorite book series is the “Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. Some of his favorite shows include “The Walking Dead” and “American Horror Story”. When it comes to video games, Marley mostly plays online games including “World of Warcraft”, “Heroes of the Storm”, and “Marvel Heroes”.

Some of Marley’s talents include getting along with many different kinds of people and having a very good memory. He is also very intelligent and is skilled at mathematics. He even worked as a tutor when he was a student at Washington State University. If he were not pursuing a career in zoo keeping, he would have gotten a degree in I.T. as he has always been interested in this relatively young field. Other things you may not know about Marley is that his favorite food is pepperoni pizza with red pepper flakes from Papa Johns, he always wears t-shirts with animals on them (when not in uniform), and has a tendency to snap when he recalls information.

Marley’s true passion involves animals. One of his favorite species is the African leopard. This is because not only does Marley admire large carnivores, but he admires the African leopard because it is a nocturnal predator and competes with other African predators by taking advantage of its wits and strength, carrying whole prey up trees. In fact, Marley hopes to one day go Africa on safari to see these amazing animals. For now, Marley is determined to make his goal of obtaining his dream job as a zoo keeper working with large carnivores. After having worked in Kids’ Zone for 2 years, Marley would love to find a large carnivore job that also incorporates other taxa, too. You can find Marley in the Kids’ Zone area in the mornings on most days!