Most zoos have animals that are not on exhibit. These animals are handled by both volunteers and paid staff. They are used for education purposes, where communicating with zoo animals works in my favor. Many people do not find a connection with animals – and a desire to protect and improve the animals’ lives. But making a connection with the animal can change that. That is what I do at a local zoo. I take an education animal out, on grounds at the zoo or to the children’s hospital or to a nursing home, and tell people about it. These people get to see the animal up close and get to hear some interesting anecdotes. And these people walk away with a new appreciation for the species.
I am so grateful for communicating with zoo animals because I can connect intuitively with the education animal and learn what he/she likes and dislikes about being taken to visit with people. One of my favorite animals to take out is a corn snake. I’ve known him since he was the size of a pencil (he’s four feet long now). Over the past year, I’ve been checking with him about his likes and dislikes. He has told me that he loves when I take him to visit with people and he loves to be wrapped around my arm and be held up high (near or over my head). He is VERY fascinated with feet and loves when there’s a crowd around because there are lots of feet.
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