Kayla Woodard
Ocelot Conservation Facility Manager
Serving Since
Originally from New York, Kayla has dedicated her career to animal care, welfare, and conservation. She spent 17 years at the Buffalo Zoo, beginning her career as a zookeeper before advancing into zoological management in 2022. Throughout Kayla's career, she has developed extensive hands-on experience in animal husbandry, welfare, team leadership, and zoological operations.
Kayla holds a degree in Animal Management and has a strong passion for wildlife conservation and advancing the care of animals in professional zoological settings.
In 2026, Kayla relocated to Texas to take on the role as facility manager at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute's (CKWRI) Ocelot Conservation Facility. With extensive zoological experience and leadership, Kayla enjoys contributing to the protection and preservation of one of Texas's most iconic and endangered native wild cats.