The Tour Guide Staff | Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Naturalist/Seahorse Wrangler: ERICA

Born and raised in Kailua Kona, Erica has worked at Ocean Rider since early 2021. She loves taking care of the farm animals and teaching people about seahorses. Passionate also about the arts, she enjoys running her small temporary tattoo business and spending time with her loved ones. She would love to be the one to show you around when you come for your tour!

Naturalist/Seahorse Wrangler: ABBEY

Abbey’s Bachelor of Science degree in biology led her first to experiences working with Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and then the University of Alabama’s Fisheries Ecology Lab, before she found her way here to the Big Island and Ocean Rider. She’s dedicated to saving the ocean, and loves teaching people about what we do here and why. When not at work, you can find her snorkeling, SCUBA diving and playing golf!

Naturalist/Seahorse Wrangler: DANNY

Recently arrived from Shelby, Ohio, Danny has a Bachelor’s in Biology. In his opinion the ocean and the animals within it are among the most precious resources on the planet. He believes that seahorses in particular are some of the most bizarre and incredible of these resources, and to see them nearing extinction is truly tragic. He loves to educate the public about all of this, knowing that most people never get to see a seahorse in their lifetime, and feels our tours showcase one of Planet Earth’s many natural treasures. When he’s not at work, he also enjoys card games and sports, particularly competitive running.

Naturalist/Seahorse Wrangler: JACQUE

Originally from Colorado, Jacque’s Environmental Science degree led her to 2 study abroad experiences in and around the ocean. She loves having the opportunity to make people fall in love with not just seahorses, but everything that calls the ocean home. Her next most favorite thing is riding horses, including her own, Cricket, with whom she trail rides and plays polo. If your tour is with her, you’ll enjoy her excitement for what we do!

Concierge/Gift Shop: BETTY

Betty moved here from Florida, where she worked for Disney for many years. Always a lover of nature and animals, her work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in particular, instilled in her a greater eagerness for protecting the natural world around us. In her down time she is a lifetime member of Sweet Adelines International, and enjoys exploring her new home of Hawaii. She loves being part of this new (to her!) world of seahorses, and is one of the friendly faces you’ll meet when you check in for your tour.