Caden Reynolds

Animal Care Shift Lead

Caden Reynolds joined Carolina Waterfowl Rescue in June 2026 as an Animal Care Shift Lead, bringing with him a lifelong fascination with animals, a love of the outdoors, and a desire to build a career that makes a meaningful difference.

In his role at CWR, Caden helps organize and maintain the integrity of the rescue’s flock, working to ensure that the animals’ daily needs are met alongside the staff and volunteers who care for them. An important part of his work is getting to know not only the animals, but also the volunteers who help care for them. Alongside CWR’s other shift leads, Caden works to make sure both animals and volunteers are comfortable, supported, and able to thrive in the sanctuary environment.

For Caden, animal care goes far beyond completing a list of daily tasks. He especially enjoys learning the individual personalities and quirks of CWR’s residents while also learning about the natural behaviors and characteristics of their species.

“I am most passionate about making sure the animals are well cared for, and learning about all of their quirks both as individuals and as species,” he says.

He is equally proud of the relationships he has developed at CWR. In a relatively short period of time, Caden has built meaningful connections with staff, volunteers, and animals alike. The people behind the mission are an important part of what keeps him inspired.

Caden is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with minors in Anthropology and Biology. He is also an avid learner with a particular interest in history.

In addition to his environmental studies, Caden has extensive experience with library management, databases, and archival work. He has volunteered with Southwest Regional Library, developing organizational and information-management skills that complement his naturally curious and detail-oriented personality.

Caden’s connection with animals began long before joining CWR. Growing up, he occasionally helped raise poultry and developed a fascination with wildlife that was encouraged by his parents. He also enjoys wildlife photography whenever he has the opportunity.

As a child, Caden dreamed of becoming a zoologist or falconer. Although he eventually fell out of touch with that dream, working at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue has allowed him to reconnect with a part of himself that always imagined a life involving animals.

Owls remain his favorite animals. He finds them beautiful and fascinating, both from an evolutionary perspective and because of their individual personalities. At CWR, however, another animal has earned a particularly special place in his heart: Kiwi the emu.

Caden describes Kiwi as incredibly sweet, and the two enjoy spending quiet time together whenever the workday allows—including plenty of emu cuddles.

Animals are also a significant part of Caden’s life at home. He currently shares his home with four rescued cats and has cared for nine cats over the past five years. His two newest additions came into his life under particularly memorable circumstances. Nifl was discovered inside a car engine, while Crunchwrap was found in a Taco Bell parking lot.

Outside of CWR, Caden enjoys reading, learning about history, and fiber arts, particularly knitting and crocheting. His favorite book series is The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. One of his long-term goals combines his love of learning, animals, and fiber arts: someday he hopes to complete the entire process of going “from sheep to sweater,” beginning with raw wool and ending with something he has made himself.

Ultimately, Caden was drawn to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue by his passion for animals, his interest in working in the nonprofit world, and the opportunity to gain meaningful skills and experiences. What has kept that passion growing is seeing firsthand the importance of CWR’s work and getting to know the people who make that work possible.

For Caden, joining CWR has also meant rediscovering a childhood dream. The kid who once imagined becoming a zoologist or falconer may have taken a different path getting there, but today Caden once again spends his days surrounded by animals—learning about them, caring for them, and helping ensure they receive the lives they deserve.