Jessi
Jessi Knudsen Castañeda grew up just outside of Missoula. When she was 12 years old she knew she wanted to do something with animals. She volunteered at a veterinary clinic to quench her thirst. She also had a knack for convincing her father she needed just one more critter around the house. So she was in no way deprived of having animals surrounding her.
Jessi also had a desire to be in the lime light. She enjoyed acting on stage and giving presentations in class and at home. Her favorite memories include her animals at home and acting in MCT plays.
At 17 she moved to California to find her path. She had decided she wanted to make movies (imagining The African Wild specials on TV) and attended Chapman University. After 2 years she decided that she wasn't cut out for Hollywood and transferred to Moorpark College and attended the EATM (Exotic Animal Training and Management) program at America's Teaching Zoo.
During the EATM program Jessi gained knowledge and experience with many different species of exotic animals. Among the animals she trained and cared for were a vervet monkey, baboon, ringtail cat, raccoon, harris' hawk, and serval. Jessi received three degrees: Exotic Animal Training & Management, Animal Behavior, and Wildlife Education.
After she graduated she was hired at a theme park. There she was lead animal trainer and gave live animal presentations to the public. She also gave educational presentations about locally grown farm produce to school groups and the general public. It was here she learned how to entertain while educating.
In May 2008 her and Augusto Castañeda began the process of creating Animal Wonders Inc. She realized her heart's calling and decided bringing her passion back to her home community was her life's goal.
