Our Vision
To become a global influencer in reconnecting today’s youth and the young-at-heart with the beauty and wonder of the animal world.
Our Mission
Our mission at J2 Animal Productions is simple yet powerful:
"Through unity, we can overcome."
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, we’ve lost sight of each other, the natural world around us, and working together to solve problems.
We aim to change that.
We believe animals have a way of bringing people together. By reigniting passion and awe for the natural world and enjoying these shared interests with others, we can create a movement of people working together for the world's greater good.
We are especially passionate about inspiring change and wonder in our younger generations, instilling them with the passion for the natural world that will help them lead the way in protecting our earth and all of its inhabitants.
Valuing Diversity
We believe the world is a big, beautiful, and diverse place, and that’s what we love about it. We respect people from all walks of life and strive to make the world a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse place through our work. And though we may all be different, we wholeheartedly believe that a love of and respect for nature and animals is one of the most common things that can bring us together as humans.
The J2 Advantage
Our love and passion for animals shine through in everything we do. And beyond that, our over 30 years of experience training animals and bringing exhilarating animal productions to life establish us as leaders in the animal entertainment industry.
When your event or location is looking for an animal exhibit, theatrical animal entertainment, enhancement to established shows, or up-close meet-and-greet experiences, we can deliver, all while exceeding your expectations.
We also believe in education. Enhancing audience knowledge of animals and their habitats, behaviors, and other fun facts helps build appreciation, excitement, and respect for our animal friends and leaves a lasting impression.
Our Team
The J2 Animal Productions team is more than doggone good; they're at the top of their game when it comes to training and caring for our animal ambassadors. Our trainers have worked with the world's most prestigious animal productions at SeaWorld Orlando, Feld Entertainment, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Jungle Island.
Learn more about our team below.
Justin Rivera
Founder and CEO
Justin started J2 Animal Productions with a vision of producing quality animal encounters and presentations that allow audiences to be fully immersed in the wonders of the natural world. His love for animals began at an early age and has brought him joy throughout his life. He hopes to bring that same sense of wonder and joy to younger generations with his animal ambassadors.
Justin’s diverse background in training makes him an asset to any project he takes on. He currently resides in Central Florida, where he has led several zoological and canine facilities. Justin leads his teams with best training practices in mind and a mindfulness for animal welfare.
His passion for education situates him at the top of his field. He has served as the head trainer for award-winning shows such as "Opening Night Critters" at Busch Gardens Tampa. Additionally, he has advised companies such as Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park on best practices for avian care and husbandry.
Through providing exceptional care, exercise, and nutrition for J2’s animal ambassadors, Justin is confident that he has built the top organization in the country for animal productions.
Jason Knight-Mcleod
Director of Productions and Training
Jason Knight has overseen the staff of animal care givers at several locations around Florida: Busch Gardens, Tampa; SeaWorld, Orlando; and Jungle Island, Miami. Jason began his career with animals volunteering at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Clearwater, Florida while still in middle school. His work there involved caring for and educating guests on a variety of animals, including dolphins, sea turtles and otters. He was the first paid intern hired by the aquarium and worked his way up to being an assistant aquarist over his tenure with them. After leaving the aquarium, he worked in the pet industry, continuing to work with animals as an animal care specialist and K9 instructor.
Jason started working with Birds and Birds of Prey in 2006. He combined his animal care and training knowledge with his training in drama and theatrics from school and honed his skills in show development and creation in shows like Critter Castaways, Opening Night Critters and Dolphin Days. Jason has cared for and trained various birds, including owls, vultures, and parrots. His work also includes training some of the rarest birds in the world, including Andean Condors and Hornbills. He even worked hands-on (non-protected contact) with a Double Wattled Cassowary.
Jason is a true asset to the team.
Ashley Settles
Director of Veterinary Care
Ashley graduated with her DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Following vet school, she completed a 1-year equine internship at Tryon Equine Hospital in North Carolina. Ashley went on to receive her animal chiropractic certification in 2013 from the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She enjoys being able to offer this alternative therapy to her patients and is always keen to incorporate it into her practice of traditional veterinary medicine.
When not in a clinic, Ashley enjoys spending time on her hobby farm with her horses, goats, geese, dogs, cats, husband, and children.
Supporting Our Stars
We take pride in offering the highest quality of care for our animal ambassadors. From the food we feed them to the veterinarian care they receive to the love and attention we lavish on them, everything we do is designed with their wellbeing in mind.
We are also proud to work with shelters and rescues to provide behaviorally challenged animals with a second chance at life and a chance to be the star of the show with J2 Animal Productions.
Our Services
All of our services are customized to your needs. Reach out to us to discuss your vision, and we'll build an animal experience you and your audience will never forget.
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Large- and small-scale theatrical animal productions
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Atmospheric animal demonstrations
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Meet-and-greet interactions
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Edutainment productions
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Exhibit design, installation, and maintenance
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Consulting
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