This summer I was able to work at the Idaho Falls Zoo in the Education Center. One of my responsibilities there was taking guest surveys about their experiences at animal exhibits, exploration carts, keeper chats, and zoo signage in order to understand guest experiences and enhance the zoo. I also was able to teach guests about different animal species from Exploration Station carts and develop the Exploration Station program further by creating curriculum for additional species to be taught about. I was able to assist with education programs at the zoo such as Zoo Camps- where children are able to experience a fun week of learning about animals with hands on lessons and activities, and Junior Zoo Crew- where youth from the community get to experience a chance to work with animals and learn about being a Keeper or Zoo Employee.

Everyone here is passionate about animals and conservation. I learned so many different things about animals, habitats, and their keeping and care. I learned about how researchers and scientists help struggling populations in the wild, and how accredited Zoos also assist in the repopulation of endangered and threatened species. Everything I have learned will be taken into account when I am teaching similar topics in the future, and I am so thankful for that!
During my time here I watched the zoo go through a rigorous accreditation inspection, where the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) observed and inspected the zoo. The AZA were impressed by our survey protocol and QR codes for guest feedback that allowed any comments, positive or negative. Being able to observe another business going through an accreditation process was insightful and beneficial to me, as I am on my school’s STEM Accreditation team and am working with them to have our school STEM Certified in the near future.

One of my favorite parts of working as an extern at the zoo was running the Snow Leopard Exploration Station. Snow leopards are silent, majestic creatures. In the mornings I would set up the cart across the path from their exhibit, and during the day I could watch them play as I taught guests about their special tails and spots, and how to find them when they hide. I showed guests the special motion sensor trail camera that researchers use in Mongolia and other countries with snow leopards and let them play the part of the researcher by finding the hiding snow leopard in several photos. I would also show guests some handmade woolen toys that were made by farmers and their families in snow leopard populated communities. The small toys are sold as a secondary source of income for those families, as some are affected by snow leopards hunting their animals. Some proceeds from the small toys also go towards snow leopard conservation efforts. I also explained to guests that by visiting the zoo and using the zoo’s coins for conservation program, they were actually helping snow leopards in the wild!

I have learned a lot about animal species and how the Zoo Education Center runs. I am excited to take my new knowledge into my classroom and teach my students about some of the things I experienced. Since I was young, I have loved animals, and I always wanted to work with them in some capacity. I am grateful for this experience and will always remember the summer I worked at the zoo!

Grade Level and Subject Taught: Kindergarten