Christina Herron
Caregiver/Researcher & Training Coordinator
A significant memory from Christina’s childhood was watching a documentary about Koko on television. She was so fascinated and intrigued by Koko and her ability to communicate that she turned to her parents and said, “I’m going to do that! I’m going to talk to gorillas!” Years later, Christina was attending a Zoology class at West Valley College in Saratoga, CA, where her professor mentioned that Koko lived nearby in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
That former fascination and intrigue returned and Christina immediately began researching Koko and The Gorilla Foundation. Within months of her research, Christina began working at The Gorilla Foundation as a produce volunteer and eventually became a caregiver/research assistant intern. During her time at The Gorilla Foundation, Christina graduated from West Valley College with an A.S. in Biology and an Honors A.A. in Liberal Arts. Upon graduation, she transferred to UC Santa Barbara where she is currently completing her B.S. in Biological Sciences with plans to continue her education and earn her Ph.D.
Home for the summer, Christina is currently working as an Assistant Caregiver/Researcher at The Gorilla Foundation.
Christina’s love for animals, the environment, and conservation goes with her wherever she is. When in Santa Barbara, Christina can be found volunteering at the Santa Barbara Zoo as an Animal Care Aide. She has also participated in various research studies through UCSB as a volunteer researcher.
Christina truly believes that childhood fantasies can become realities. |
