From dense eucalyptus forests in Australia to icy Mongolian plains to the swamps of Western Africa, we were in for a whirlwind ride. Although our adventure never actually left Zoo grounds, we learned about conservation projects under way all over the world while being personally introduced to the animals that represent them. This tour was led by Rachelle Marcon, an educator guide here at the San Diego Zoo. Ms. Marcon has a busy schedule with several educational programs inside and outside of the Zoo, as well as VIP and behind-the-scenes tours that she leads. Today, we became the VIPs and got to see what it is like to be a guide at the San Diego Zoo.

Strolling down the pathway towards the koala exhibit, I was amazed at how many stories Ms. Marcon had to tell us. Within minutes of beginning the tour, I had already learned about the Hawaiian koa tree, a plant of great cultural value that is currently being destroyed by invasive wasps, and the efforts to breed the Guam rail, a bird that has become extinct in its native habitat. By learning about these efforts while simultaneously observing these endangered plants and animals in person, I felt personally impacted by their preservation. This is what Ms. Marcon’s job is really about; she uses animals as a means of connecting to the public and inspiring them to do their part for wildlife conservation.

You would think that a guide’s job would be fairly boring since they give the same tour every day. Our experience proved that assumption to be far from the truth. Zoo animals are always full of surprises, and Ms. Marcon was just as shocked and delighted as the rest of us when the otters managed to wreak havoc by breaking open the water filter in their enclosure. Plus, our experienced guide greeted most animals like old friends, and entertained us all by speaking to them in a Dr. Doolittle-like manner. Ms. Marcon bellows along with the koalas and swamp monkeys, and has even trained the kookaburra to make its famous call when she calls herself. There is no doubt about it, the zoo guides seem to have just as much fun meeting the animals as we do.

In addition to leading tours on Zoo grounds, Ms. Marcon also works for about ten different educational programs through which she teaches children of all ages about the importance of conservation. She often takes animal ambassadors to schools and uses them to engage the students and make a lasting impression. With extensive experience working with animals as well as teaching credentials and a history of interacting with young children, Ms. Marcon has found the perfect way to do what she loves. She gets to hang out with animals all day while at the same time spreading her infectious passion for wildlife preservation to the general public and to the generations of tomorrow.

Sara, Careers Team

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