Jennifer

Zoo teacher – Caldwell Zoo

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.

Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Loss of habitats! Loss of Habitats!

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!