Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Fitzpatrick
Hi Sydney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Animals and nature have always been a part of my life and I always knew they would feature strongly in my career. After growing up in the south, I went to college in Ohio, where I majored in Zoology and Environmental Studies. While in college, I was fortunate enough to get a seasonal job at the Columbus Zoo, working in the interpretation and shows teams. I had to overcome a lot of my natural shyness about public speaking, as most of my job was presenting animals to guests in fun and educational ways. And I found I had a love for teaching others about animals and spreading awareness about our natural environment. As my new career path was blossoming, a new hobby and passion was also taking shape. After taking an ornithology class in school, I became hooked on birds and I was never far from my binoculars. Birding is a great way to experience nature as it slows your pace and makes you pay attention to the small details around you. Identifying birds by sight or sound is an exhilarating puzzle that you can do anywhere and anytime.
After college, I bounced around and gained more animal experience, from Alaska to Texas, before I got my first full time job at the Kansas City Zoo. I worked with a variety of species, from small mammals and primates to birds and reptiles. I also met my future husband, John, who was also a zookeeper. After a few years, we moved to Houston, Texas to work at the Houston Zoo. I was constantly learning about animal behavior, conservation, and how to engage with the public. I was active in our local zookeeper association board and on various zoo groups and committees. In 2020, I decided to start an online Masters program from Prescott College to get my Masters in Resilient and Sustainable Communities. But Houston never felt like home and after 7 years, we decided to move to Michigan for a fresh start and to be closer to John’s family, which meant leaving our zookeeping careers behind.
We had another dream to follow, one that still would allow us to engage with people and educate them about nature and conservation. One thing we had learned through birding (a shared passion) is that if you love birds, than you also must care about the plants and other animals that birds depend on. We wanted to build a small nature preserve with simple accommodations and educational offerings. A sanctuary where people could relax and engage with their natural surroundings and be inspired to make positive environmental changes in their own life.
In 2022 we bought the property that would become Leaf and Feather Farms. It’s 12 acres of beautiful woods and wetland with ample opportunities for habitat restoration and growth. Though not operational yet, we offer nature walks on property and soon hope to begin building one or two small cabins for people to stay in. We wanted to take our time with this project, to get to know the land and the community around us first. Of all the states I’ve lived in, I love Michigan the most, and this land feels magical to me. We have a lot of work ahead to build Leaf and Feather Farms, but being able to look outside and see birds everywhere is the best feeling in the world, and we can’t wait to share it.
And while my husband and I build Leaf and Feather Farms, I’ve continued my career in animal care by petsitting in my area and working for a Arizona based company called Petsfly.com, that specializes in international and domestic pet relocation. Both jobs have been rewarding and allow me to work and interact with people that I enjoy and respect.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Leaving a successful and rewarding career to head in an unknown direction can be challenging. Zookeeping was a dream job, but was extremely taxing on my physical and emotional health. When you spend every day with animals, the rewards are great, but the devastation when one is sick or dies can lead to compassion fatigue, which definitely takes a toll. Leaving a passion-based career that I had spent my life working towards led to a lot of doubt about the direction I was taking. And starting a new business with no experience also feels overwhelming, especially one that will mix work and home life on one property.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Working in the animal field in any capacity is very rewarding. During my zookeeping career, I got to spend time with many amazing species and individual animals. I especially loved working with and training birds. The emotional capacity of some of the birds I worked with is so enjoyable to see. When birds are happy with you, they show tremendous affection. And when they are angry or upset, they let you know. In zoos, we train animals using operant conditioning, also called positive reinforcement. It uses the basic premise that actions have consequences and we can train various actions to a specific cue by providing good rewards. Some of my most memorable moments were training a pygmy falcon to fly through a hoola hoop and training golden lion tamarins to sit still for an injection.
Now, I get my animal fix with all the pets and farm animals I take care of when their owners are away. I can assist with behavioral issues and training and be there to support the owners in ensuring their animals’ needs are met.
I’ve always loved being involved in my job and community outside of what is generally asked. I’ve had to teach myself to be very organized and the have good communication skills. Those skills are essential in my job as Quoting Supervisor of Petsfly.com. In a week, we get dozens of inquiries from people who are moving around the world and need help ensuring their pets make it safely to their new home. The different rules and regulations of each country, airline, and airport means that I am constantly learning and having to adjust to changing conditions.
I am also juggling the various needs of Leaf and Feather Farms. We are in the middle of habitat restoration projects and planning for accommodation building. We also lead nature tours and engage in our community. My passion for birds and the environment are pretty apparent when I begin talking, and I think that excitement is contagious. Every person who I meet who then contacts me after to tell me about the birds they are noticing, is a big win for me.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I thought my lifelong career would be zookeeping, and it wasn’t, and that was terrifying at first. My advice is follow your goals and dreams, but if those change don’t be afraid to start on a brand new path. It doesn’t matter your age or experience, there are always opportunities in new directions you might have never imagined. And talk to everyone you can about what you want to do, you never know what advice or benefit you may receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leafandfeatherfarms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leafandfeatherfarms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leafandfeatherfarms
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-fitzpatrick-188530b
