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Explore, Learn, and Grow at Grounds for Growth

Start your morning with purpose and a cup of coffee at Grounds for Growth. This August, we are excited to welcome Dr. Kaleigh Reyes, Executive Director of Sunset Zoo, as our guest speaker. Dr. Reyes is eager to share her experience and hopes to inspire others to explore careers in animal behavior, conservation, welfare, and more or simply to think about these topics in a new way.

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries while connecting with fellow young professionals in a space designed for learning, inspiration, and meaningful conversation all while celebrating the incredible work happening at Sunset Zoo.

Dr. Reyes completed her Ph.D. in biological anthropology at the University of Toronto in 2025, with a focus on primatology and a specialization in great ape cognition, welfare, and behavior. In addition, she has a deep passion for ornithological science and welfare, partially inspired by her two pet African grey parrots, Zoey and Rocky. At the University of Toronto, Dr. Reyes served on various university and government review boards for animal ethical compliance (IACUC and CCAC), contributing her expertise in primate and avian welfare. Since completing her PhD, Dr. Reyes served as a professor of animal behavior at Husson University. Dr. Reyes also previously served as a gorilla scientist at Basel Zoo in Switzerland

Throughout her twelve-year career in primatology, Dr. Reyes has conducted ethical, scientific research on primates and parrots in human care at zoos across North America and Europe, as well as with nonprofit ape conservation organizations. Dr. Reyes has also conducted numerous field sessions with wild chimpanzees and parrots in Senegal during her master’s degree at Texas State University and in Uganda during her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Bloomington. Today, Dr. Reyes continues to pursue ethical, free-choice participation research that aims to improve the lived experience, health, and overall welfare of animals.

Dr. Reyes is excited to continue her commitment to animal welfare in her new role as director of the Sunset Zoo. Drawing on her academic background, she looks forward to strengthening and developing collaborative partnerships with Kansas State University. Coming from a small town herself, Dr. Reyes places a strong value on local community engagement and is eager to work alongside local businesses and organizations to build meaningful connections through future collaborations that support both the Zoo and the surrounding community.