Zoo REC is run by a group of dedicated individuals. These individuals have a wealth of
experience working with wildlife and domesticated animals. 

Director: Lauren Mulleady

Lauren is the director for Zoo REC. She has a BS in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation from Lee's-McRae College. Lauren has extensive experience with wildlife and exotics and has received training from around the globe including New Zealand. She has previously worked as a Lead Mentor and Ambassador Raptor Trainer at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Lauren has worked as a veterinary assistant, wildlife removal specialist, an animal control officer, and operated Western Carolina Reptile Rescue. She holds certifications in NACA ACO I & II and chemical immobilization. Lauren is a licensed wildlife control agent and wildlife rehabilitator with additional permits for endangered species involving the Carolina Pigmy Rattle Snake and Timber Rattle Snake.   

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Specialty Program Coordinator:
Courtney collishaw

Courtney currently runs and develops all of the specialty programs here at Zoo REC. She has a BS in Animal Science from NC State University, MSc in Conservation Medicine from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, MSc in Veterinary Forensic Medicine from University of Florida and is currently completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. Courtney has previously studied conservation medicine in India. She has also completed internships working with manatee rehabilitation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Courtney has worked as an emergency veterinary assistant, education instructor, and an animal control officer. She holds certifications in NACA ACO I & II, chemical immobilization, ASPCA FIR training, and Animal Technical Rescue Awareness Training. 

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Specialty Program Assistant:
Amanda Valentino

Amanda provides our Specialty Program Coordinator assistance with running the foster and adoption program along with assisting our veterinary services program here at Zoo REC. She has a BS in Animal Health Technology from Murray State University and is currently completing her MS in Animal Science at NC State University. Amanda has experience with animals small and large specializing in dogs, cats, and livestock.  She also has extensive experience conducting scientific research and has taught veterinary students. Amanda is a Registered Veterinary Technician and has worked in general practice, emergency, critical care, and neurology services in the veterinary field.

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Veterinary Hospitals

Zoo REC works with multiple veterinary hospitals to provide the highest quality of care for our animals. The typical veterinary hospital does not handle or see wildlife and exotics; thus, we utilize veterinary hospitals with staff trained in wildlife and exotics to treat our animals. These hospitals have specialized equipment to diagnosis and treat our animals.