Kayla St. George Obituary

Update Sep 10, 2026

Massachusetts, US State – Kayla St. George, a dedicated zookeeper and animal-care professional whose career was shaped by a lifelong love of animals, has been remembered by colleagues, friends and members of the zoo community following her passing. At Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, Massachusetts, colleagues described Kayla as a compassionate professional whose ability to build trusting relationships with animals became an important part of her work.

Capron Park Zoo shared the news with deep sadness, describing Kayla as a beloved colleague and friend whose passion for animals touched many lives. Her professional journey reflected years of education, volunteering, internships and hands-on experience across several respected animal-care institutions.

Kayla studied Psychology at Rhode Island College. Her background in psychology complemented her approach to animal care, particularly her interest in understanding individual behavior and building trust.

Her professional experience included serving as a Senior Zookeeper at Franklin Park Zoo, a Temporary Zookeeper at Buttonwood Park Zoo and a zookeeper at Capron Park Zoo. She also volunteered with beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium, an experience that connected closely with her longstanding fascination with marine mammals.

Kayla’s love for animals began during childhood. After watching Free Willy, she developed a dream of working closely with animals and helping them participate in their own care. Over time, that childhood ambition developed into a professional career centered on animal welfare, behavior and husbandry.

Colleagues remembered her for recognizing the distinct personality of each animal under her care. She had a particular affection for whales and warthogs. Everett the warthog became what she called her “heart animal,” while her work with Kela the beluga whale represented another important chapter in her career. At Capron Park Zoo, she developed a special relationship with the Reeves’ muntjacs and enjoyed their characteristic sounds around mealtime.

Kayla also served as Vice Coordinator of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Reeves’ Muntjac Species Survival Plan Program. The program forms part of the cooperative conservation work carried out among accredited zoos and aquariums to support the long-term management of participating species.

Her colleagues said Kayla’s legacy extends beyond the animals she cared for. Her patience, curiosity and compassion influenced the people who worked alongside her and helped create lasting memories within the zoo community.

Ellen Davignon, who remembered meeting Kayla during their time at Buttonwood Park Zoo, shared a personal tribute following her death. Davignon recalled their friendship and their shared love of marine mammals and Free Willy. She also remembered attending Dave Matthews Band concerts together, hiking through muddy conditions to see Christmas lights near Kayla’s apartment, going to movies and sharing other moments of friendship.

“I’m truly at a loss for words,” Davignon wrote, describing Kayla as a good person and an amazing friend. She expressed deep sadness that their friendship had ended too soon and extended her sympathy to Kayla’s loved ones and her zoo family.

Kayla St. George is remembered through the relationships she formed with animals, the colleagues she inspired and the friends who valued her presence. Her career demonstrated the patience and dedication required to earn the trust of animals and provide attentive care.

For the Capron Park Zoo community, her memory remains closely connected to the animals she loved and the work she devoted herself to throughout her life.