Julie Scardina (born July 10, 1957) is Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove, zoological parks. She was formerly curator of animal training for SeaWorld of California. Scardina is perhaps best known for her regular appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,[1] monthly Today animal information segments and weekly segments on Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures.
Scardina is a professional animal trainer and educator, who graduated from San Diego State University with a major in psychology and a minor in biology, after attending a program at Moorpark College in Exotic Animal Training and Management. She has worked for years with killer whales, as well as dolphins, sea lions and many other animals at the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks.
Scardina is a board member of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which supports conservation education, habitat protection, species research and animal rescue and rehabilitation around the globe. She travels to many of these projects throughout the world and is also involved with many other conservation organizations and efforts, such as the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders where she serves on the board and acts as a mentor to up and coming environmental leaders.