Rebecca (Riediger) Jahns, Class of 2014, earned her degree in Biology at Bethany Lutheran College. She now works as a husbandry assistant in a zoological setting, where her days are filled with caring for diverse species including reptiles, birds, and mammals. She explains that her role involves cleaning and feeding animals, training them, interacting with visitors, collaborating with veterinary staff, and designing enrichment to keep animals engaged and healthy.

Rebecca completed significant internships prior to her current job, including placements at both the Minnesota Zoo and the International Crane Foundation, and spent a year working on the avian team at another major zoo before taking up her present position. Her work ethic and scientific grounding stem from the strong academic preparation she received at Bethany, as well as an enduring love for God’s creation, which she describes as constantly inspiring. She writes, “I am constantly amazed by God’s creation and how it all works so seamlessly together… I love that I get to not only help protect the creatures God created, but share them … with the guests that come … each day.”

Her commitment extends beyond basic animal care to broader conservation efforts. Many of the species she works with are part of regulated breeding programs or endangered species initiatives, highlighting how her biology background is directly contributing to species protection, public education, and community engagement.

Although Rebecca’s story emphasizes science and stewardship, her reflections reveal a sense of faith and vocation intertwined in her daily work. She embodies the values of compassion, integrity, and service that Bethany aims to nurture in graduates. Her journey illustrates how a biology major can lead not only to technical proficiency but to career paths that honor creation, educate others, and steward the natural world.