The Zoo constantly astounds me. The animals are stunning in their variety, as well as in their magnificent appearance, and I am often reminded of their importance on our planet. Watching the animals is my idea of bliss, for I see it as nourishment for the soul. There is something utterly peaceful in observing an animal, contented and at peace itself. Nature, indeed, is the finest enjoyment, for it is ever-changing, ever-evolving, and ever-intriguing.

That said, the beauty of nature, as seen in a zoo, is not utterly spontaneous. It is shaped by the careful work of the zookeepers, whose duty it is to keep the animals as at ease, challenged, and entertained as they would be in the wild. One such keeper is Hali Anderson, the keeper for a variety of carnivores.

Her day consists of cleaning out the exhibits – a somewhat monotonous and messy job- feeding the animals, and planning enrichment experiences for her charges. The planning of enrichment is the most glamorous part of her job, for it is where keepers must truly utilize their creativity so as to keep the animals mentally and physically challenged and stimulated. Ms. Anderson, in fact, challenged the interns to run with our creativity by allowing us to place a Manchurian bear’s food all around the exhibit in unique and entertaining places. This led to humorous results, from a fish threaded through a hook to a bone nonchalantly placed on a branch overlooking the pool.

After we left the enclosure, the bear found all of our inventive hiding spots for his food quite entertaining, and snuffled around the exhibit with an air that could only be described as befuddled curiosity. As we watched the bear from the viewing side of the exhibit, we took pride in the delight of the wandering visitors who appeared as entertained as we were. As I watched the visitors’ laughing over the bear’s attempts at retrieving the bone I was struck once again by how simply enjoyable it is to view animals. In them we can see ourselves, as well as a complex sort of beauty that both challenges and inspires. In watching these animals I cannot help but wonder how anyone could ever look at an animal and see merely an object, a symbol of exploitation, when a creature is most beautiful whole, happy, and a seamless part of the world. The poachers and exotic wildlife traders that end the lives of animals merely for human, materialistic gains must not understand the intrinsic value of animals as healthy members of their communities.

Liz, Real World Team

Blackie the Manchurian Bear as he retrieves the fish-in-a-hook.

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