mEET THE FOUNDERS

Jennie Phillips has loved animals for as long as she can remember. In college, she discovered she could combine her interest in psychology with her passion for animals through training, and her dream of becoming a dolphin trainer was born. Over the years, her work expanded to include a wide variety of species, and her passion for teaching others about animals’ incredible traits only grew stronger.

Jennie’s adventurous spirit took her from California to San Antonio, where she worked as a bird trainer, caring for and presenting exotic species such as parrots, birds of prey, hornbills, and cassowaries. Her skill in animal training and her obvious affection for the animals in her care quickly made her a crowd favorite.

She later followed her dream to Orlando, Florida, where she trained bottlenose dolphins at Discovery Cove, learning to balance audience excitement with the comfort and well-being of the animals. Eventually returning to SeaWorld San Antonio, Jennie expanded her experience to include beluga whales, dolphins, and sea lions, performing in countless shows and educational programs over her 13-year career in animal training.

Founding Zoomagination allowed Jennie to blend her extensive training background with her degree in Business Management to create interactive wildlife education programs. Today, she continues to share her love for animals through fun, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, compassion, and respect for wildlife.

Growing up surrounded by animals, Robert Trejo quickly discovered a natural ability to connect with and care for them. After rescuing and nursing several animals back to health, he knew his passion for wildlife would become his life’s focus.

Robert began his professional journey in 1987 as a volunteer at his hometown zoo in El Paso, Texas, while studying biology at the University of Texas at El Paso. His career soon led him to SeaWorld San Antonio, where he served for 15 years as a professional animal trainer and international ambassador for animals. Along the way, he also worked as a veterinary technician, gaining valuable experience in animal health and care.

Over the course of more than two decades, Robert has trained and cared for a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine mammals such as dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, walruses, and otters. He has performed in hundreds of shows for thousands of guests, using each opportunity to inspire a deeper connection between people and wildlife.

In 2023, Robert became Curator of the Abilene Zoo, where he oversees the care, welfare, and conservation of more than 1,000 animals. Though he’s no longer hands-on with Zoomagination, his influence is still felt in our programs, our values, and our ongoing commitment to connecting people with the animal world.

🐾 Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

At Zoomagination, we know it takes a village to care for animals, inspire curiosity, and share the magic of wildlife with our community. We would not be where we are today without the incredible people, partners, and organizations who have supported us along the way.

From the volunteers who show up rain or shine, to the educators and event planners who welcome us into their schools and venues, to the donors and sponsors who help keep our programs thriving—thank you. Your encouragement, trust, and generosity make it possible for us to give animals a voice and create unforgettable connections between people and the natural world.

We’re also deeply grateful to our past and present team members, our amazing animal ambassadors, and the countless guests who have shared in our programs. Every smile, every question, and every moment of wonder reminds us why we do what we do.

Here’s to the next chapter—together. 🐾