From a young age, Amy Weldon, a communications specialist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, felt a magnetic pull towards animals. This fascination blossomed into a lifelong journey, rich with experiences and lessons that not only shaped her early career but continues to ignite her passion for animal care today.

Inspired by her aunt, a devoted park ranger and wildlife rehabilitator, Weldon grew up immersed in a world filled with animals. While she was growing up, her household embraced living creatures with curiosity and admiration, instilling a deep respect for wildlife. 

“I vividly remember a garden spider with a bright, highlighter-green thorax that resembled a Halloween decoration. My mom insisted it stay undisturbed in its web, even encouraging us to feed it ‘dinner,’” Weldon says.

This early exposure sparked her lifelong passion for the natural world. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, Weldon began her journey in animal care as an intern at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with the Animal Embassy, caring for its education animal collection, including African penguins, serval cats, raptors, parrots, reptiles and other small animals.

Those early days were filled with wonder and hard work as she learned the ropes of animal care. By 2007, Weldon had moved to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where she immersed herself in the vibrant world of marine life. Whether she was performing medical procedures, scrubbing tanks or preparing animal diets, her dedication was unwavering.  While working with creatures like rainbow lorikeets and freshwater crocodiles, she discovered the joy of forming stronger connections with animals.

“When you spend time with the animals, you get to observe their intricacies and appreciate their individual personalities. While they might share similarities, each animal is unique in its own way,” Weldon said.

As her career progressed, Weldon became a trainer for ambassador animals, including macaws and a two-toed sloth, before joining the care team for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Marine-mammal trainers not only shape beloved behaviors like jumps and flips but also oversee the animals’ physical and mental well-being. Weldon trained the dolphins for health checks and assisted researchers in studying dolphin cognition through observations of their interactions with mirrors. She also played a crucial role in shifting the dolphin-training approach from scripted shows to informal presentations that showcased the dolphins’ natural behaviors and personalities.

In this capacity, Weldon appeared on local and national news and spoke to audiences of up to 1,500 guests, including elected officials and celebrities. She had the chance to meet many of Baltimore’s professional athletes and help fulfill dolphin dreams for children and adults alike. Notably, some of her most meaningful moments came from sharing these remarkable animals with disadvantaged children, inspiring many to pursue careers in animal and science fields.

Working with dolphins provided Weldon with valuable insights into the importance of engaging with people on issues like conservation and climate change. Her regular interactions with the public highlighted the critical need for effective science communicators. In 2015, she shifted from animal care and training to communications, ultimately earning a master’s degree in science communications and public engagement. With her science background, Weldon is committed to helping scientists advocate for their vital work in fields that affect everyday lives.

After years of experience at various educational institutions and organizations, Weldon relocated to California to take on her current role as a communications specialist at the Lab.

...it’s both humbling and fascinating to apply what I’m learning as a volunteer to being a pet owner.

With a desire to work with animals and find community again, Weldon joined the East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in 2023 as an enrichment and companionship volunteer. Here, she found joy in providing care and comfort to dogs, each with its own needs. Adopting her husky, Hiccup, from the SPCA added a new dimension to her understanding of animal behavior. 

“Dogs are far more complex than we realize, and it’s both humbling and fascinating to apply what I’m learning as a volunteer to being a pet owner. Ultimately, this has allowed me to quickly build a remarkably strong bond and positive relationship with Hiccup,” Weldon said.

What sets the East Bay SPCA apart for Weldon is their adoption of animal-management techniques from zoos and aquariums. This approach aligns with her background in caring for exotic species, emphasizing quiet observation and respect, and offering animals as much choice as possible.

While a dream job for many, working in animal care presents its own unique challenges. She recognizes that despite her formal education and extensive experience, there is always more to learn, especially when it comes to understanding dogs.

“It requires hard work and dedication to succeed in this field. The job demands significant physical, mental and emotional effort, especially in shelters and rescues where staff work tirelessly, even on weekends and holidays, to ensure the best lives for animals before adoption. During my time as an animal-care worker, volunteers were invaluable, and I’m excited to give back now as a volunteer myself,” Weldon said.

Working with dogs — particularly shelter dogs — can be challenging, she said, but she finds the work incredibly rewarding.

“I look forward to coming in each week to talk with the staff and hear about who has been adopted. Knowing that any dog — especially one I’ve worked with — has found a loving home fills me with immense happiness. It’s also lovely to be welcomed back into the animal-care community, which I’ve missed so much,” Weldon said.

Looking ahead, Weldon intends to enroll in additional specialized training courses offered by the SPCA to deepen her knowledge and strengthen her bond with Hiccup. She also looks forward to connecting with fellow animal enthusiasts and exploring new ways to support the shelter and the wider community.

“My experiences with animals have profoundly shaped who I am, teaching me the importance of listening, observing and being present to cherish special moments,” she said. “The most valuable lessons I’ve gained from caring for them include the significance of hard work, the acceptance of getting dirty and the understanding that there is always more to learn. Animals have a unique way of reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.”