Omar was born and raised in Florida. He has traveled outside Florida many times but has never lived anywhere outside the state of Florida.

Omar has helped care for a large array of animals – ranging from tiny Dwarf Hamsters to 120-lb pit bulls. “I have never lived without animals as part of my family and I would never want to!” As a little kid, Omar wanted to be a zookeeper when he grew up. As he got older, that desire grew into wanting to actually own his very own zoo. Even though owning his own zoo is no longer his focus, it’s still a dream of his.

Outside of his love for animals, Omar likes casual gaming, electrical engineering and his two lovely dogs (Baby and Raven). Electrical engineering is his current focus, however since it is a broad field, he is undecided in just where he would like to continue. “I am extremely fascinated with the world and how it works – the electronic field is growing daily, with an astronomical amount to still uncover.” Omar will be continuing his education in electrical engineering in the near future but wants to help with animals in the meantime, in any way he can.

Christina was born in DeLand, Florida, but grew up in Deltona. She and her fiancé have two dogs (Turbo and Blue), two cats (Camber and Doug) and two Sulcata Tortoises. “There was never a moment in my life where I didn’t have animals.” Ever since Christina was little, she has yearned to help animals. As a kid, Christina did horseback riding – including barrel racing. Her first job was at Pet Supermarket, but after years of working there, she decided to take things a step further into the field she really wanted: the veterinary field. She has always wanted to work in a vet office and says she is so grateful to FloridaWild for giving her that opportunity. “

Justin was born and raised right here in sunny Central Florida. While Justin has had a love for, and has helped care for, animals all his life, joining the Funky Mutt team is his first official foray into the animal care industry. He has a certain affinity for the outdoors and nature in general, visiting the beach, hiking, and/or biking whenever the chance arises. Justin also enjoys building and making all sorts of things in his spare time – “a jack of all trades, a master of none,” if you will. He loves being able to help others, human or otherwise, in any way he can.

Kindness, patience (with yourself and others), and gratitude are some of the things that Justin strives for on a daily basis. He believes that part of healing the world we see outside of ourselves should start with first healing the world within ourselves, and practicing patience, having a greater sense of compassion for, and having a better understanding of our relationships to, animals (human or otherwise) is one of the things that can help us to achieve that.

For as long as Jade can remember, she wanted to go into the medical field. As years went by, she realized her true love for science. She plans on studying Marine Biology or Anthropology in college. On the side, Jade loves art and wants to continue to pursue that passion, as well. “Art is one of my favorite things about FloridaWild and Downtown DeLand; their love for art and allowing individuals to express themselves through it!”

Jade has always had a love for animals. Currently she has two dogs, two cats and a sweet little bunny. In all her pet past, she has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, hamsters, birds, fish, turtles and even frogs!