Katie Majerowski

From training slow-moving favorites like the red-footed tortoise to hand rearing owls for guest encounters, Katie Majerowski has spent more than a decade building trust with some of Shedd’s most charismatic animal ambassadors. As Manager of the Animal Engagement team, Majerowski oversees the care, training and well-being of Shedd’s approximately 40 ambassador animals — a diverse collection spanning reptiles, macaws, birds of prey, and small mammals who make face-to-face connections with guests on the floor and through education programs.

In her role, Majerowski also leads the growth and development of both the animal collection and the people who care for them, while supporting Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and collaborating with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions to help shape the future of Shedd's ambassador program.

Prior to leading the Animal Engagement team, Majerowski co-led Shedd’s Oceanarium department's enrichment team, championing behavior-driven enrichment strategies designed to encourage natural behaviors and support animal well-being.

A Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation, Majerowski is driven by a passion for animal-led education — using individual animal stories to help guests understand conservation and the vital role every species plays in its ecosystem.