Biography
Lauren Ayres has been in the field of animal care & conservation since 2004 and has been employed as a wildlife care professional, behavior consultant, veterinary assistant, and field research associate. Being raised in the eco-oriented states of Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming, Lauren developed a passion for wildlife & the environment and aimed to make an impact in conservation. She has worked with a large variety of different animals from naked mole rats to killer whales, tigers to tenrecs, and everything in between.
She holds a Master’s of Science degree in Marine Ecosystem Management and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology & Psychology with focuses in Animal Behavior & Underwater Resource Management – all from Indiana University. Her Master’s thesis focused on the conservation of endangered coral species found on marine archaeological sites in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, she is a PADI Assistant SCUBA Instructor with over 300 dives and 15 different specialty diver certifications.
Lauren serves as the Pangolin Project Coordinator for the US non-profit, Global Conservation Force (GCF) ; where she has worked on several field projects in Africa & Southeast Asia. As the Pangolin Project Coordinator, Lauren oversees all GCF projects involving pangolin conservation, protection, demand reduction, community education, and research. Additionally, she has served as a field production coordinator for wildlife documentaries and newscasts.
