Jessica & Kevin Zimmer

Home:

Orlando, Florida

Show:

Mobile Unit #3

Jessica and Kevin Zimmer have been part of the Squalus family for over two years. Before working for Squalus, they both worked as entertainers at Gatorland, in Orlando, Florida. It was there, that they not only wrestled gators, and fed huge crocodiles, but they also feel in love. Under the guidance of Flavio Morressey they learned how to use operant conditioning with crocodilians.

After two years at Gatorland, the CEO and founder of Squalus, Marco Peters, heard about Jessica and her showmanship with animals and took her on a three month tour with the sea lions. Jessica now had her dream job of working with sea lions and it got even better in January of 2007 when Kevin got hired on with Squalus as well. Together they learned all about sea lions and traveling on the road. With their Gatorland and Squalus experience the couple together has a combined 12 years animal experience.

They not only enjoy playing with the sea lions on a daily basis, they also have a pug named Mclovin that keeps them company as they travel the country educating people about their favorite Marine Mammals.

In October of 2007 they took a brief absence to get married on Islamorada in the Florida Keys. When they are not traveling with the sea lions, they still love to travel. For their honeymoon they backpacked for 3 weeks into Singapore and the beautiful islands and jungles of Malaysia. When not traveling Kevin and Jessica enjoying being at home in Orlando, FL with their tortoise, Tank, and spending time with their friends and family.

Gala Rogacheva & Karl Kruger

Home:

Bradenton, Florida

Show:

Mobile Unit #2

Gala was born in Russia – her father was a circus juggler and her mother an animal trainer. She worked as a juggler on the unsupported ladder from the time she was a little girl and also helped her mother in her animal act. She naturally followed her mother's footsteps as an animal trainer, working with horses, camels, dogs, cats and even geese.

Her talent was soon discovered by the most famous circus companies in the world – she was taught by and worked with the most acknowledged performers in the circus community. Gala trains South American Sea Lions with operant conditioning. She has a unique connection between herself, her animals and the audience which transforms each of her performances into a unique experience.

Carl Kruger was born in South Africa. He has always loved traveling and working with animals. As a child he had unusual pets such as monkeys, wild birds and even a zebra. He came to the United States 5 years ago and shorty afterwards joined the Squalus team.

Now he plays a goofy character in the show named Surfer Joe. Carl spends most of his time around the Sea Lion gals and they love to play and chase him around in the mornings.

Kevin (4yrs old) and Nathen (3yrs old) are Gala's children. Growing up around sea lions. Kevin has already made his first show appearance performing with Mom, joining the party in the conga line.

Hershey Team

Home:

St. Petersburg, Florida

Show:

Hershey Park, Hershey PA

Aubrey Taylor joined the team about a year ago and starred along side Bruce and Kitty for the 2008 season at Hershey Park in “The Great Candy Caper”.

Aubrey is a Midwestern girl who grew up in Iowa. Finally moving to Florida in 2003 to pursue a college degree, she graduated from the University of South Florida in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. Following graduation, she did volunteer work at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rehabilitating injured sea turtles. In August of 2007 she spent 5 months doing an intensive marine mammal training internship at the Miami Seaquarium. There she was able to get hands-on experience with dolphins and sea lions. She was then signed on by Squalus as head trainer for Hershey Park. In Hershey, not only did Aubrey head the show, but also did VIP sea lion encounters with guests and conducted educational shows educating people young and old about sea lions and emphasizing the importance of conservation.

Aubrey has been an animal lover all of her life. She is a devoted owner/parent to a 2 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix named Wilbur, and 2 cats, Bernard and A.J.