The Central Florida Zoo

Prehensile-tailed Skink

I entered the zoo world with a very open mind.  It didn't take me long to see that this action was a good one.  I learned a lot interning at the zoo, and I took to it all like a duck to water.

Well, maybe a pigeon at first.

My first day was full of nerves.  I was able to meet all of the members of the Reptile Department.  Nick, the Senior Reptile Keeper, was to become not only my friend during my time at the zoo, but also my mentor.  There were two other keepers that functioned in the department who quickly became engrained in my mind.  There was Chuck, the artistically tattooed, heavily pierced rebel who owned 4 out of the 5 listed 'Reptiles of Concern'. Then, there was Jen, the fiery Italian and soon-to-be-amphibian keeper who actively dedicated herself to the conservation of coqui frogs in Puerto Rico.

There was another intern in the Reptile Department as well, Kelsey.  Kelsey was nice, friendly and easy to talk to, and in my first month or so at the zoo, I found myself sticking to her like glue. I followed her around like a lost little puppy dog wherever she went.  I greatly respect the members of the Reptile Department at the zoo, because if it weren't for them, I would have never learned as much as I did while interning, nor would I have had as much fun while learning, as I did.

New Caledonian Giant Gecko

During my first and second internship, working at the zoo became my favorite activity.   Even though interns were only required to dedicate 16 hours a week to the zoo, I often came in on days when I didn't really need to and talked about my work at the zoo incessantly with anyone who would sit still long enough.  It was stability in my rapidly changing world, something that I clung too with every fiber of my being.

There was routine in the work, but change as well.  The zoo provided the perfect balance of both, enough methodical work to pacify our silly regimented human minds, but enough change to keep oneself interested and to chase off the boredom at every turn.

I would struggle out of my bed around 7am every day, including the weekends, to get myself dressed, and head out for the zoo.  I was so eager to get to the zoo that I often skipped breakfast, preferring to only grab my morning can of mountain dew.  I'd get to work around 8am and start by cleaning the class on all enclosures inside the Herpetarium.  Then I'd head outside to clean the fog, fingerprints and human grease marks off the outside exhibits before returning inside to take care of the animals.  I worked my way down one side of the Herp, cleaning the glass on the inside of enclosures, removing fecal matter, checking on the animals, and preparing their food for the day.  Food prep was oddly fun, requiring either dusted crickets (crickets coated in Reptivite powder) or chopping up fruit and veggies for our salad eaters.  Once I took care of all the enclosures inside the Herp that I was in charge of, I would head to the Grand Cayman Island Rock Iguana (Cyclora lewisi) exhibit to feed them and rake their enclosure.  Around this time we would hit our first 15 minute break period for the day, and I'd follow the rest of the department over to Concessions for a quick snack and a chance to hang out and chat with the keepers in other departments.

West African Green Mamba

After break, I would head over to the Aldabra tortoise enclosure to rake, clean, and feed the tortoises.  This task was probably one of my most favorite at the zoo.  The tortoises were smarter than most people would give them credit for and had very adoring personalities and behaviors.  They were on the same level as a dog or a cat, just a little less hairy and differently shaped.

Angel eating a banana from my hand

I loved spending time with the two tortoises, Angel and Goober, and I enjoyed answering questions for the guests that stopped by while I was cleaning.  When people asked me questions about the tortoises, it was a new experience, and I was unsure at first. But the other keepers and the other intern proved to be a big help in this area.  I listened carefully when they answered questions, mine or the guests,  and stored the answers in my mind in case I were to be asked the same thing.  It wasn't long before I was able to spout off facts that I'd learned about Angel and Goober to curious visitors.

Goober after munching on some salad.

While I had confidence doing this alone, I found I would easily become flustered and embarrassed if  the keepers watched me. I knew the facts, and I knew that I knew such things, but I was still terrified of having learned something wrong, and not only 'failing' in the eyes of people I put so much respect towards, but also in giving out incorrect information.  Luckily that situation never occurred, and other than being overly nervous, things went well.

The time it took to clean the tortoise exhibit varied due to the various question, but by the time I was done, it would be lunchtime.  Again, I'd head back to Concessions to hang out with the other keepers and eat.

After lunch my schedule would often change.  Usually I found myself doing whatever needed to be done.  Whether it was breaking down exhibits, cleaning floors, or designing exhibits, not every chore given to me was excitingly fun. For example, I don’t often miss cleaning the crickets, but each chore had a purpose and was something that actually needed to be done--whether for an animal's benefit, or for the benefit of the work area and the people who used it.  Regardless of the 'excitement' of the work, I could never find anything there that wasn't worth at least learning how to do.

Edgar, a very famous EDB (Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake)

In the end, I loved everything I did at the zoo, from my time spent learning and working, to the people I met and the friends I gained.  For me it was a life changing experience and something that never could and never will be forgotten.  The zoo introduced me to the world of reptiles and amphibians in many ways and helped me learn not only what it was I wanted to do with my life, but also who I wanted to become

.

My time at the Central Florida Zoo could never be considered a waste, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.  

It has, in so many ways, become something I will never, ever forget.

My favorite enclosure at the zoo, the copperhead exhibit.