Rebecca Espinoza

Rebecca Espinoza serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a Research Associate in Recovery Ecology. As an eight-year veteran of the Hawaiian forest bird program and expert in avian artificial incubation and hand rearing, she serves as the kiwikiu species steward, based at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center. In this role, she is responsible for daily animal care, health, treatment and medication administration, and environmental education.

Rebecca is expanding her avicultural interests and experience in applied avian conservation techniques through volunteering for other Hawaii conservation organizations. Her current research interests are in adult and child environmental education through non-academic outreach and engagement.

Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from State University of New York, Oswego and also has an Associate of Science Degree in Zoo Animal Technology. Currently, she is enrolled in Miami University’s Global Field Program, pursuing a master’s degree in Zoology, for which she is focusing on connecting adults to wildlife. In the future, she hopes to expand her expertise to include developing citizen science programs, participating in animal temperament studies, and assisting in anti-predator training for reintroduction candidates. Rebecca is proud to be on the frontlines of preventing extinction with her work in the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.