Zoo InternQuest

My goal is to some day work at the San Diego Zoo. I believe this internship will be a great experience for me and will increase my knowledge of the many jobs that relate to animals and conservation.

Other than reading about animals, I enjoy playing tennis and soccer, going to the beach, swimming, spending time with my family, taking care of my three dogs, and going to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park whenever I can. School is also very important to me. I spend a good amount of my time striving to do the best I can in my challenging classes, including physiology and chemistry. I realize my academic success is vital to my future success and career.

Conservation is very important to me. I love watching animals in their natural habitats and I am fearful that this may not be possible in a few years if our wildlife is not preserved. I know that this internship will show me the Zoo’s many achievements and projects regarding the topic of conservation and, hopefully, I will be able to contribute more to the cause. I am very much looking forward to this wonderful opportunity and cannot wait to share my amazing experiences with you! 

Kerissa, Week 1

 

 

While looking for a chance to experience conservation in a hands-on atmosphere, I found the San Diego Zoo’s InternQuest program. This opportunity seemed like the perfect chance for me to learn and grow as an individual and conservationist. Though I keep myself busy with horseback riding, hiking, biking, walking my dogs, and spending time with friends and family, I still wanted this internship to be part of my life. I am very excited to begin working with the top professionals in different environmental, conservation, and wildlife-based fields.

Nature cannot fight to protect itself. It is up to us—conservationists and the general public alike—to save the world’s natural beauty and balance. In return, our society will be granted inspiration and revelation. After all, in the words of William Wordsworth, “nature never did betray the heart that loved her.”

Danni, Week 1

To start off, I’m crazy-passionate about science—biology in particular. Of all the classes I’ve taken so far, AP Biology (which I took last year) stands out to me as an all-time favorite. I have this innate fascination with the study of life—something that goes way beyond memorizing the textbook definitions of helicase and nuclease. I love it because I know there’s still a whole undiscovered world of scientific possibility and discovery. Because undertaking that quest for new knowledge is an adventure. Because there’s something out there, just waiting to be discovered, that can change someone’s life. Most of all, I love biology because it gives me a great sense of appreciation for the complexity of life, and it inspires me to put my 46 lucky chromosomes to work at making a positive difference on the world around me.

Besides biology, my other passions include running, hiking, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, ice cream, skiing, writing, volunteering, and going on adventures. That’s a lot of passions, believe me, I know—but I’m an enthusiastic person. At school, I’m involved in varsity cross-country and academic league, both of which I find to be tremendous sources of happiness. Outside of school, I’m lucky enough to have been involved with a program called Zoo Corps since 2007. It’s a volunteer program here at the San Diego Zoo in which teens ages 13 to 17 work to educate the public about wildlife and conservation. All in all I’d say I’m a pretty busy kid, but that’s just the way I like it!

Now that you know a little bit about me, I hope you enjoy my updates about the latest and greatest around the Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research. Happy reading!

Sierra, Week 1

Animals are a huge part of my life, and my family and friends can definitely confirm that! I love being at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, because I have the opportunity to connect with the animals and learn about them at the same time. I also love taking my dogs for long walks, watching Planet Earth reruns, and involving myself with the animal rights movement.

In addition to animals, motorcycles are a big part of who I am. I cashier at my dad’s motorcycle dealership, and am immersed in the world of motorsports many times a week. I love riding quads in the sand dunes with my family and taking watercraft out to Mission Bay.

Most of all, conservation holds a special place in my heart. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park will show me how I can do what I love and help conserve our animals. I believe that we need to do everything we can in our power to preserve our beloved animal species, because without them, the world would be quite a boring place!

I am so blessed to have this opportunity to work with InternQuest, and I cannot wait to share my fabulous experiences with you!

Rachel, Week 1

 

 

 

 

Typically, a lot of previous experience is required before being considered for a position with San Diego Zoo Global. It is rare to get a career straight out of college. In the case of Mr. Montagne, his dedication paid off. Shortly after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biology specializing in Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution, from the University of California, San Diego, he received a volunteering position with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. He volunteering started with observation work with rhinoceros and then moved on to condor observation. After his brief time observing the condors, he landed a paid position with the Institute for Conservation Research.

Working in the field is a highlight of Mr. Montagne’s job. Currently he is researching the California ground squirrel. Why ground squirrels? Ground squirrels are masters of a very important task: burrowing, creating tunnels and alcoves underground. This is the exact skill that researchers and field personnel need for saving burrowing owls, a species that is currently on the decline across the county. Burrowing owl habitat is being destroyed and Mr. Montagne is participating in efforts to restore it. Along with his ground squirrel work, he also monitors the biodiversity at the Safari Park Native Biodiversity Preserve using pitfall traps. This area is abundant with native species of snakes, lizards, and birds. This coastal sage scrub preserve is home to numerous animals that all play a role in the biodiversity of San Diego County. There is where we had the exciting experience of checking the pitfall traps and recording the data under the supervision of Mr. Montagne.

The experience of walking in Mr. Montagne’s shoes in the field, by checking traps and making observations, was invigorating and made me feel like an actual researcher. The pitfall trap project has been around for approximately 15 years, growing and accumulating more data each month. The traps are open eight months of the year, February to November, generating almost a constant stream of data. In the field there are seven arrays, Y-like structures, consisting of 144 buckets total. We discovered some of San Diego County’s biodiversity hands-on, encountering a variety of reptiles in the pitfall traps. My partner and I were lucky enough to find a juvenile orange-throated whiptail lizard. This species has many distinguishing characteristics such as five or six stripes running parallel, from head to tail down the back and sides of the lizard. Once they reach adulthood, the males, and occasionally females, have a distinct orange throat most prominent in breeding season. We recorded the data on this lizard and a few others. It was exciting to be able to interact with the biodiversity around us and to learn about how the research being done is beneficial.

Being able to experience what Mr. Montagne does was phenomenal. I enjoyed every moment from inside the Institute to out in the field. After learning about his routine of collecting data and the monitoring of the Native Biodiversity Preserve, it made me feel fortunate enough to call this home. My time with him reminded me that working hard and staying focused will always be a benefit to your future. Mr. Montagne’s is currently back at school at San Diego State University pursuing a Master’s degree. Some advice that Mr. Montagne gave for an aspiring teenagers is to volunteer for specific positions related to the career you want to pursue and above all, go to school. Walking in someone else’s footsteps for an afternoon was fun, but the journey it will take to get to a career like Mr. Montagne takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Hopefully the finish line is exactly what you are striving for.

Sierra, Careers Team (week 3)

After working in the NACU for 22 years, her daily duties still vary. The structure of Ms. Kier’s day consists of many different tasks, from marking litters to record keeping. One of the most important aspects of her day is mixing and supplying formulas for the numerous animals that may be found there at any moment.

When the need arises to feed babies at the NACU, there are a series of provisions on formula and feeding. Imagine being a mother of not only one but five completely different babies. All of the babies have separate requirements from nipple size, size of the hole, formula temperature, and amount to feed to the way you feed, and especially the feeding schedule. It sounds overwhelming, but for Ms. Kier it is normal to deal with such diversity.

Each time a new baby comes to the NACU, the staff must adapt, just as a mother would adapt to her new baby. Choosing the right nipple and hole from which the formula flows through is crucial. For instance, if the nipple is not correct, the baby may try too hard to get the formula, becoming exhausted from the work and no longer wanting to eat. Or the baby could be flooded with formula, causing the abundance of liquids to get into their lungs and aspirate. Both are very dangerous and could cause harm. Temperature of the formula can differ from each baby, but they usually enjoy it around the body temperature that their mother would naturally have.

The keepers feed babies as their animal mothers would. A human mother would cradle the child so it felt comfortable and upright; well, every mammal does not eat like that. The mammals similar to us are primates, and they also cradle their young. The digestive system for each species is made specifically for how they should eat in the wild. For example, cheetah cubs lay on their stomachs because their mothers would be lying on their side for them to nurse. The keepers try to mimic these natural ways of eating. There are so many needs, but one of the most important is the feeding schedule. The size and age of the baby determines how much and how often they need to be fed. There is a lot of variance; it could be 3 times a day all the way to as many as 12 times a day. Good thing human babies don’t have to be fed 12 times a day!

The work and dedication that goes into the NACU revolves around the health and growth of the babies. Both of these are linked by the formulas that are determined by the Zoo’s nutritionists. They supply the NACU with a detailed list of ingredients, amounts, and dosages that need to be administered daily by NACU keepers. The list of different types of calculated animal formulas is pages long and the requirements for these formulas vary. For instances, take a baby pygmy marmoset, which weighs .0264 pounds, or a newborn camel that weighs 72 pounds. How much formula the baby receives is dependent on the size and age of the baby. Fortunately, the Zoo works with a company that supplies the majority of the formula powder used in the nutrition plans for the babies. These powders are commonly the same you would feed kittens or puppies. When the Zoo needs a shipment of the formula powder, an order is placed specifically for the babies that they are currently feeding. The order is then delivered to the forage warehouse located on Zoo grounds, where it will be kept until needed and used by the keepers. All of this work is to ensure the correct formula is created, specific to each animal’s need.

The best reward for the NACU keepers is when there is a sense of a “animal graduation,” meaning when the animals are finally healthy enough to survive on their own and have shown great improvement over the course of time to move out on to exhibit or back with their families. A great success story of the NACU is that of Isa. He is a fossa, native to Madagascar. Isa is very lucky because his mother was unable to provide for her young, and NACU needed to play an active role. Isa was given his name from the Malagasy word for “one.” Isa was kept under the care of the NACU where they could provide adequate and appropriate formula and monitor his growth and development. Isa now has the special title of animal ambassador here at the San Diego Zoo and is just one of the numerous success stories of the NACU. Isa is currently living in the Children’s Zoo and is very happy and energetic. If you want to know the full story of Isa, click on http://blogarchives.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/08/02/fossa-pup-update/ to read more.

All of the work and support given to Isa is just one example of the many animals that have been helped by the NACU. The nutrition and growth of any animal is highly important, and with the correct formula and proper care, an animal is given a greater chance of survival. Go see Isa the next time you’re at the Zoo. Use his name and he just might answer you with a purr or a chirp!

Sierra,  Real World Team (week 6)

Matt Akel was also hesitant about a career choice but quickly found his place once he realized just what he wanted. In high school, Mr. Akel discovered he wanted to become a marine biologist. He continued on this path in college, and then had an epiphany that led him to switch majors and pursue a career in zoo keeping. This new path led him to major in psychology and double minor in biology and English. For those who desire this same career, Mr. Akel has some valuable advice: begin volunteering now. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and grow stronger professionally. Mr. Akel did a substantial amount of professional and volunteer work prior to coming to the Zoo.

Mr. Akel’s volunteer experience began while in high school, at Parrot Jungle and Gardens in Florida, a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat, and botanical garden. This experience gave Mr. Akel his first inside look at a career in wildlife. By working with a group of other students and having the ability to have hands-on interaction with animals, Mr. Akel was allowed to experience different situations and circumstances that helped him later in his career. Once in college at the University of Miami, he put in extra hours with a marine mammal stranding team. This team was responsible for rescuing stranded marine mammals along Florida’s coast that had found their way to the shore, due to sickness or other problems. Before his position at the San Diego Zoo, he also worked at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas. It was at this zoo where he was able to learn fundamental skills and knowledge needed to get hired on at the San Diego Zoo as a keeper in 2002. He held that position for nine years, and during those years had the opportunity to work with animals like polar bears and primates. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Mr. Akel was promoted to animal care supervisor, where he manages several areas of the Lost Forest, which includes animals such as the Malayan tigers and hippopotamus. His previous work experience proved to be very valuable and had a positive impact on his career. If you desire to be a part of any zoo staff, it is greatly suggested that you start volunteering and get involved in some type of animal and/or wildlife organization so that you start acquiring a variety of work experience.

On a personal note, Mr. Akel had some vital information to share with anyone who is interested in a career like his. When it comes to college, make sure you explore multiple majors. In his opinion, when looking at colleges and the courses they offer, keep an eye out for biology, psychology, and zoology. Those majors will help provide you with options in a zoo keeping career. Two great colleges he specifically mentions looking into are Moorpark College in Ventura County, and University of California, Davis. Everyone spends a large amount of time researching the options of potential colleges, but if you are lost in the confusion of decisions, just remember what you want your life to mean. For example, one of Mr. Akel’s main goals is to promote and contribute to the conservation of endangered species. His career in a management role helps him accomplish this each day. Try to remember who you are and what you want during all the chaos, and strive for that. The road may even lead you to life as a zoo keeper!

Sierra, Careers Team (week 4)

She works directly in conservation in a variety of ways by aiding in the quarantining of animals that are brought to the Zoo, helping to maintain the health of the animals, and nursing ones that are sick back to health.

Animals are usually put in quarantine for 30 days when they are coming from a different location. A large part of conservation for zoos is creating the best situation for procreation to occur. For this to happen, male animals are often traded between zoos, as it is more vital for the females to be comfortable by staying in the exhibit they are accustomed to. Before these males can be introduced to the new exhibits and to the females, precautions must be made to ensure that the animal is not carrying any diseases.

Although the exchange of males is very crucial for zoos, it is not the only reason animals are moved. Recently, Ubon, a Malayan tiger from Fresno, was brought here to the San Diego Zoo. He is now being quarantined but will not be introduced for breeding but rather as an exhibit animal. However, our male Malayan tiger, Paca, has gone to Fresno in his place to meet their females!

Currently, Ms. Clapham is involved with a conservation project with loggerhead shrikes, located on San Clemente Island. The project is an attempt to revive the loggerhead shrike population on the island, as it is one of the most endangered songbird species in North America. As part of the hospital staff, Kirstin helps to provide medical attention for Loggerhead Shrikes that are in need of care. The objective is to return them back to the island in a timely manner, where they can be back with natural habitat. The Zoo has helped to bring up the population to over 70.

Ms. Clapham often works with rare and endangered animals, making sure that they are healthy. She is part of a huge conservation effort, which helps her gain perspective on its importance. Her job allows her to help out a lot of animals and make a difference by maintaining the species that call the Zoo their home.

As a hospital keeper, Ms. Clapham is one of the primary caregivers for the animals. Along with doing numerous check-ups on the animals to see how they are doing, caregivers also feed, medicate, and weigh animals throughout the day. This is very important, as it helps to keep up the animals’ health, making sure that they are doing well. They are the eyes and the ears of all that goes on. The knowledge and use of veterinary care to all the animals, along with practice and hard work, allows animals to thrive and helps them to live healthy lives and hopefully procreate, aiding in the conservation of the species.

Molly, Conservation Team (week 5)

Any animal could come through their doors, so they must be fully prepared. Every species is unique, which calls for different handling instructions. For example, they have a vast array of different nipple shapes and sizes, including custom made, because different species are accustomed to different suckling speeds and milk intake. In addition to determining the nipple size, they calculate the right formula for each animal, taking into account gastric capacity and percentage of body weight per day. The daily routine of a NACU employee consists of litter marking, measuring weights, taking temperatures, bottle-feeding, burping, and manual relief (inducing the baby to “use the restroom”). These tasks are difficult but are worth it when the baby gets to go back to their family. Babies are introduced back to their families or become animal ambassadors. An animal’s family is important because they teach it how to function and survive, which is why the NACU’s goal is to return the offspring to their parents.

At the NACU we met Tinka, a parma wallaby baby. Parma wallabies are an endangered species found throughout Australia and New Guinea, and her survival was a very important goal. Tinka’s mother was drastically losing weight and had some health problems during her pregnancy. Zookeepers were monitoring her closely, then one day they found a tiny female joey weighing only 71 grams lying on the ground. The hairless baby had been ejected from her mother’s pouch and needed assistance. Today she is happy and healthy with a new coat and teeth. This was just one of the success stories at the NACU.

Without the NACU, some of the babies would not have survived. They have saved many offspring of endangered species, including the Persian fallow deer. It was the first one born in the Western Hemisphere, and Becky Kier had the opportunity to care for it. There was one instance where a hoofed animal was born with a leg problem. It was having a hard time walking, so they took it in and restored its health. In the wild this animal would not have survived. This is just one example of how the NACU saves lives and plays a valuable role in conservation.

The NACU staff are an important piece of the conservation puzzle, without them it would not be complete. Whether it be feeding the babies formula or manual relief, caring for the young at the Zoo takes hard work, and the rewards of knowing you helped save a life or species is priceless.

Chris, Conservation Team (Week 6)