Sydney Sans

Sydney was born in Chicago and grew up in Williamsville. She holds an MBA in consulting from the University at Buffalo, and attended Canisius College for her undergraduate studies, receiving a dual degree in animal behavior, ecology, conservation and psychology with a minor in anthrozoology.

During her undergraduate studies, Syd was a Division I athlete in synchronized swimming for a team that ranked top 3 nationally. In 2011 she qualified for Olympic Trials for the London 2012 Olympics. As a soloist, she ranked 12th nationally in 2012. She became a co-captain and team manager during her senior year.

In the years following graduation, Sydney moved on to become a marine mammal trainer full time, moving up to a zoo/aquarium consultant and eventually Assistant Curator for the Buffalo Zoo. She has also lived in South Carolina, California, Canada, and Dubai, following her dreams working with and learning from incredible animals and people. 

Buffalo is and always will be “home.” As an honorable recipient of the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship, she whole heartedly believes in her home city and hopes to further drive its economic growth and development.