The joy of giving to things you are passionate about, is indescribable as most of you know. Some people need money, so we dig down and chip in when it feels right (or when you just can’t resist that brass bell). Other times people need an ear to listen, so you pull up a chair and maybe a hot cup of coffee. Well, I’ve been having the urge to once again get my hands dirty with the giving, so I decided that my new project would be with animals.
That’s what led me to the Zoo! What better opportunity to help out with animals than there, right? After applications and waivers, two interviews, a TB stab wound, a bit of training and a T-Shirt purchase- I’m in. Honestly never imagined all I would need to do in order to volunteer, but it makes me appreciate even more how safe things are. Plus, just knowing that I could have been turned away without being able to help I think reminds volunteers to respect the importance of what you are signing up for. Many people, and in my case, many animals are counting on me to fulfill my duties as good as I can!
The “Keeper” I am working with has been so helpful and keeps the animals and I safe, but more than that she shows a genuine passion for what she is doing. That is a key to success in any field. We must have the force of our passion behind us in anything worthwhile or challenging we plan to achieve! From the spark of inspiration that led you to the road, all the way to the dance at the victory party. This is why people like her are not “working” a bit while they are doing their “job”. Those moments spent observing, training, bonding, feeding,… they are just as a mother spends with a child. They are moments of constant care and respect. Talk about a recipe for a fast day at the office!!
So I have arrived and had a fun morning with a few primate friends. (Who you’ll hear all about I can already tell.) Lots of things to remember when it comes to safety, protocols, etc. Then we head to the Tiger Exhibit. This the home to a few beautiful Sumatran Tigers. These are the smallest of tigers, but anything that averages 7 to 8 feet long, 200 to 275lbs, plus packs teeth and claws like these guys is something to look out for! The raw power in the sound of their voices commands respect instantly. During their morning snack and short training session the striped family were separated into single units. Smart idea when raw meat and tigers mix I’d say. The most important thing here,besides the cage’s steel, is to take it easy! No matter the tiger, it’s designed for very few things- fast movement reminds them of most of those things instantly.
The training that is done here is not the circus stunt-style some think of. This is working together with the animal in order to treat them better. Most tigers have to be tranquilized in order to treat them, you can imagine how resistant they are to going to the doctor. Makes your kids seem like saints in the dentist chair I bet! It is wonderful to see the difference in the animals reactions when the Vet arrives to check on them. He is there with love and caring, as his position would assume. Sadly, the animals that have had to be tranquilized in the past still remember. They recognize the person years later and instantly begin defensiveness. Luckily, the training is making it possible to medically treat them peacefully!
Clean, clean, clean… That is probably my three biggest duties, maybe in life? Cages, bowls, floors, steamy piles, etc. Sanitation is the key to confinement:) Remember the Black Plague? Right, filth kills~ inside or out. It is really a great feeling being out in the exhibit though, because of coarse everything is made to feel as real as possible for the animal. Picture it with me: “I’m deep within the Sumatran Jungle. Battling the high grass that tigers are known to stalk their prey in. A lonely tree hangs over a small drinking pool near a tiny trail used by many creatures of the forest. The breeze sways the branches as the Fall losses drift down to the waters surface. Losing sight of my guide, I take a few quick steps to catch up when suddenly to my right I hear a ground shaking roar and_________!”
Okay maybe not so dramatic, but that’s how it felt for a second! Mr. Berani, ‘The Brave’, gave me my first lesson of the Zoo. Luckily, it wasn’t in the ‘Sumatran Jungle’ and this stripped father was behind bars that is for sure. The atmosphere around such beasts should always be one of respect and therefor awareness. First day, I was reminded of that! A few quick steps and Berani was above me, on the cage, and letting out a quick roar of reminder that stood every hair on my body erect instantly! Woo, I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you!
So, I suppose the lesson for me today is- Volunteer, Be Passionate, Cleanse, and above all “Take it Easy (so you don’t get eaten on the way)”
J.
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