Building on experiences gained at Washington State University, alumnus Troy Tollefson helps black rhinos, giraffes, maned wolves, and other exotic animals live healthier lives in zoos and sanctuaries as an animal nutritionist.
After earning a trio of degrees at WSU—bachelor’s and master’s degrees in zoology in 2002 and 2004, followed by a doctorate in natural resource sciences in 2007—Tollefson began his career at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, where he managed nutrition for more than 300 different species and over 1,000 animals as a zoo nutritionist. Since 2011, he has been senior nutritionist and research and development manager for Mazuri® Exotic Animal Nutrition.
“Veterinarians treat an animal’s immediate health problem,“ Tollefson said, “while a nutritionist tries to proactively prevent the problem.“