Hey all! Sorry it's been a while since my last post. We had our first big Diversity exam the same day as our first Wildlife Ed exam AND our slide and lab quizzes. Not only did I have to memorize 30+ more species, I also had to cram 14 chapters worth of information in my already crowded brain. I have never worked so hard before a test that wasn't a final or a midterm. However, I'm happy to say that I feel alright about how it went and best of all I learned how to study for a Gary test. Next one will hopefully be a little less stressful now that I know what to expect!
I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I was elected into Student Council! My fellow members and I have started a merchandise and food table on the weekends to raise money for our class. We're also in charge of planning our Boo at the Zoo event at the end of October. Things are going great so far, we work well together and have been getting a lot done. I'll post more updates about Boo as the event gets closer.
The most exciting thing on the first years' minds right now is the week before Boo at the Zoo. This is known as "Davis Week" to the second years, who will be embarking on a week long field trip. However, for us firsties it is caretaking week. The second years will have left the zoo (and the animals!) completely in our hands.
I volunteered to take on some special assignment animals, ones with special behavioral or medical needs who need extra turnover time. I was assigned to Cain, the chattering lory. I've shadowed his trainers twice already and I am in LOVE. He is such a hoot! He definitely lives up to his name. He has learned all his cues and will repeat them constantly. Circle! Target! Achoo! When Cain is upset and doesn't like what is happening, he will drop his voice and yell "NO." When student have animals out they need a backup, and one of the jobs of the backup is to announce the animal's presence to passerby. During high traffic walk times the Zoo is a chorus of "Emu here!" "Baboon here!" "Horse here!" "Mountain lion here!" Cain has learned from this, and loves to yell "BIRD HERE!" before our backup gets a chance to open her mouth.
Cain also loves tipping over water bottles and playing with casino cups. We gave him a cup in Zoo 2 yesterday and he tackled it, grabbed it with one foot and sprinted about two feet, threw it away from him, and then dove into it so hard it slid forward. No description could possibly convey exactly how hilarious this is to watch, so I'll try to get a video during my time with him. Everyone in the classroom was collapsing with laughter.
Today for Conservation we're going to Point Mugu in Malibu to do a beach cleanup! I still can't believe this is my life.
Till next time,
Christy
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