Zoo InternQuest

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

It was a long hike up the hill leading to the vet hospital at the San Diego Zoo, but when we finally made it to the top, it was well worth it. Laura Keener, Senior Clinical Pathology Laboratory Manager, led us on a brief tour of the facility. We visited the quarantine screening section where a huge sloth bear was pacing back and forth. Every animal that enters the zoo is sent to the hospital for a minimum of 30 days in quarantine. During this quarantine period, the clinical pathologists examine the animals thoroughly and monitor for diseases and parasites by analyzing samples of blood, body fluids, feces, and/or urine. Once the animals are deemed healthy, they can be placed into a zoo enclosure.

While monitoring animals in quaratine, Ms. Keener and her team must also keep an eye on the animals already in the zoo. There are numerous ways for outside diseases and parasites to impact zoo animals. Deceased wildlife such as birds or squirrels must be collected and tested immediately for diseases. Unfortunately, many people will bring animals into the zoo in hopes of leaving them there for the zoo to take responsibility for. Of course, the zoo is happy to care for abandoned animals, however, it presents a very dangerous situation when animals enter the zoo without first being tested for diseases. That’s where YOU come in!

If you’ve been wondering what you can do to help clinical pathologists at the zoo (and I know you have been), here’s your answer: Don’t bring outside animals (including pets, strays, and wildlife) into the zoo. It’s as simple as that! As Ms. Keener continuously stressed, it’s all about being educated. Educate yourself, your family, and your friends about the dangers of introducing outside animals into the zoo. If you really want to become educated on how you can help keep the animals in the zoo safe from diseases and parasites, look into volunteering opportunities that will directly benefit the clinical laboratory. Of course, when all else fails, donations to the non-profit San Diego Zoo are always beneficial.

Eric, Real World Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

The name’s pathology, clinical pathology. Alright, so it doesn’t sound quite as suave as James Bond, but once you get to talking with Laura Keener, the Senior Clinical Laboratory Manager for the San Diego Zoo, you’ll see that the swanky spy has nothing on this innovative field.

Just what IS clinical pathology, exactly? As Ms. Keener will tell you, clinical pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through the analysis of everything from blood and urine to water and soil to uncover not only the causes of a certain disease, but also how to eradicate it. Such work is crucial in maintaining the health of the variety of animals in the Zoo’s collection. Ms. Keener, a clinical pathologist herself, oversees the staff of technicians, veterinarians, and keepers at the Zoo and Wild Animal Park’s medical facilities who work together to keep the animals disease-free.

The daily duties of the medical staff are broken down into three sections. Making up the majority of their responsibilities (roughly 85%) is clinical work, which includes tending to sick animals, investigating diseases, and carefully screening animals that have arrived from, or are to be sent to, other zoos. Conservation studies and research make up another 10%, and the remaining 5% is devoted to taking necropsy samples (analyzing samples from deceased animals to determine their cause of death). Though seasoned in this expansive field, Ms. Keener still says that every now and then she discovers a new species of parasite or a disease never before seen, which she says is the most exciting (and difficult) part of her work as a pathologist. “It’s a challenge to know what is, in fact, normal for a specific animal”, she says. A parasite known to be harmful to one animal may be beneficial to another, such as the mysterious string of tapeworm eggs recently found in the feces of a resident rhino. Friend or foe? Or perhaps neither. That’s for the staff at the Zoo to find out.

Claire, Careers Team

Interns display enthusiastic response to Ms. Marcon’s statement of “Oh, it’s okay, you can pet him.”

As Ms. Marcon described the size of infant meerkats, this little digger kept a watch on us predators.

One fact that the interns were surprised to learn was that the value of the Zoo’s plant collection far outweighs the value its animal collection. Chew on that lettuce!

Travis (juvenile Masai giraffe) makes futile attempts to eat Ms. Marcon’s radio.

Who needs a spa?! Rhino’s get their R&R in refreshingly cleansing mud baths.

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

Koalas, kookaburras, and kangaroos, oh my! You don’t have to book a flight to Sydney to see these amazing Australian creatures, but you’ll feel like you’re down under at the San Diego Zoo, home to two species of kangaroo, Matilda the laughing kookaburra, and the largest koala population outside of Australia. We met all three on a behind-the-scenes tour thanks to Educator Guide Rachelle Marcon, a woman with an incredible job and an incredible amount of knowledge.

Ms. Marcon began her career at the Zoo during her years as a college student at San Diego State University, eagerly participating in the many summer camp programs offered by the Zoo. Thus began the start of an amazing career at the Zoo, where, Ms. Marcon laughs, “You never know what’s going to happen.” In addition to giving private tours of the Zoo, Ms. Marcon is also involved in a variety of educational programs designed to provide what she calls “community outreach”. She educates students about green practices, provides animal-people encounters at local retirement homes, and hosts a number of other events with the experience gained from ten years of classroom teaching.

As we strolled past each exhibit, Ms. Marcon recited facts about the different species: their names, origins, food preferences, and other fun tidbits. Who knew that koalas sleep nearly 20 hours each day?! The droopy eyelids and lengthy yawns that greeted us at the koala bedrooms quickly confirmed this fact as we watched the sleepy marsupials snuggle amidst clumps of leaves. Though koalas (above) feed solely on eucalyptus leaves, they never tire of them, and the keepers make sure to give them fresh cuts of a variety of species everyday. You’d think that with such a manicured diet these guys would be bright and bouncy! However, it turns out that the leaves make for a low-energy diet (try eating nothing but leaves sometime and see how bouncy you feel), so the koalas have to sleep most of the day to conserve what few calories they get from their preferred diet. Whether awake or snoozing though, these fuzzy critters always maintain a high level of cuteness!

Claire, Careers Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

Wow, what an exciting week! Only three days into the program, and I’m already learning so much! Ms. Rachelle Marcon, an Educator Guide at the San Diego Zoo, took us around the Zoo for a few peeks behind the scenes. Among the owls and rhinos and snakes (oh, my!), there were several stops where we interacted with animals. One of these stops was the koala bedrooms.

Stepping inside one of the empty rooms, we could see the koalas at a close range. One of the koalas was only about two feet away from us! When it yawned, we could see every tooth in its mouth! I never would have guessed that they actually have four rodent-like front teeth, two on top and two on the bottom, and flatter teeth in the back for grinding up eucalyptus leaves. From Ms. Marcon, we learned that the Zoo sometimes loans out the koalas to other zoos for various reasons, including breeding programs, or education. When this occurs, the Zoo sends a package of educational materials called a Koala Pouch with the koalas. This way, the zoo receiving the koalas is well informed of their needs and has the opportunity to teach the community about these amazing animals, while promoting conservation of the species.

We also stopped off at the Masai giraffes. We went around to the back of the enclosure, picking up a few branches along the way. One giraffe was already waiting for us at the fence. Stretching his long neck over the bars and down to our eye level, he stuck out his tongue, waiting to be fed. When it was my turn to hold up the branch for him, I asked Ms. Marcon what his name was. It turned out that his name was Travis, the same name as my boyfriend! Laughing, I explained, and I think the giraffe even got a chuckle out of it. Eventually, some of the other giraffes walked over to the fence too, and we were able to feed them. Some would just rip the branch, leaves, bark, and all, but Travis would daintily pick every leaf off with his tongue. This bluish-purple, 16-inch long appendage wormed its way around the leaves, and grasping them firmly, pulled them off the branch as the eye as large as a tennis ball watched everything going by. These majestic animals inspired a sense of being very small in me, and the sheer height caused my neck to be stiff after watching them for so long!

The giraffes’ enclosure was well designed, and I found myself wondering what it took to create it. I asked Ms. Marcon about the process involved, and I learned that it can take up to ten years from designing to finishing the exhibit. Architects, keepers, and curators meet up many times to discuss the needs and preferences of the animal, as well as being beautiful to visitors. Attractiveness of the exhibit is important because the message of conservation, the very goal of the San Diego Zoo, will be more likely to sink in if it is memorable to the visitor. If the animal is new to the Zoo, research is conducted in the actual habitat of the animal to determine the habitat’s specific requirements. I had no idea it took so long to design just one part of the Zoo! Elephant Mesa, the exhibit scheduled for completion in 2009, is to be much larger than the current elephant enclosure. It’s hard to imagine how much effort goes into planning, designing, and constructing such a large project.

Wendy, Conservation Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

On our behind-the-scenes tour with Rachelle Marcon, an Educator Guide at the San Diego Zoo, we got close-up views of the koala bedrooms and koala teeth (which are pretty gnarly looking), we were serenaded by Matilda the kookaburra, and we even got to feed camels and giraffes. It was all very cool!

But my favorite part of the day was when we went behind-the-scenes with the Masai giraffes (picture above). One of the funniest and most educational moments for me was when an adolescent male Masai giraffe named Travis yanked a branch out of one of our hands in order to eat it. Immediately after Travis yanked the branch away, he held his head up high as if to suggest that we would try and take the branch back. I was extremely shocked and amused with his actions because who would’ve thought that a giraffe would want to eat a branch in the first place? Rachelle said that his eating of the branch was perfectly normal and likened it to us eating celery.

As a member of the Conservation Team, I was most interested in information about the endangerment of Masai giraffes. Rachelle told us all about “umbrella species” and how the Masai giraffes at the San Diego Zoo are contributing to conservation efforts that save Grevy’s zebras. An umbrella species is basically like an ambassador; the attention they bring to themselves is used to achieve a conservation goal and at San Diego Zoo, the garnered attention is used to benefit endangered species. Masai giraffes at the Zoo are an umbrella species for Grevy’s zebras. Visitors at the Zoo can choose to pay five dollars to feed the Masai giraffes; the funds go to support the Grevy’s zebras. The really great thing is that the Masai giraffes are not the only umbrella species that help support programs to save endangered species; there are many others as well.

So next time you go behind-the-scenes with the Masai giraffes at the Zoo, know that you are making a difference for endangered species. This is not the only way to help conserve species; you can also watch what you buy, or be sure to recycle, as well as donate directly to saving endangered species programs. The point is that you too can make a difference.

Kate, Conservation Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

The beginning of something usually gives you an idea of what’s to come. Since our very first InternQuest experience was an exclusive tour of the Zoo, I am confident that I am going to have a great time. Our guide was Educator Guide Rachelle Marcon, and boy does she know her stuff!

Ms. Marcon introduced us to interesting places all over the Zoo, and even took us behind the scenes at the koala, camel, and giraffe enclosures. What really stuck with me was how the movies we watch as kids can affect the future of plants and animals. Giraffes (pictured) are a great example of this. All of us can think of at least one movie where we saw a giraffe. Because of this, guests like to put money in giraffe-shaped donation boxes or pay to feed these amazing ungulates. Giraffes generate a lot of money for conservation, but as a species, they may not need all of it. Giraffes are therefore what’s known as an “umbrella species.” Extra money generated in support for giraffes can be used for the protection of plants and animals that may not be so well known, but live in the same area as giraffes.

Another animal that is gaining recognition because of movies is the fossa. These small, predatory mammals from Madagascar may not rake in as many donations as giraffes or elephants, but may do so in the future if people continue to recognize them. Unfortunately, it is more difficult for plants to get needed recognition.

The Zoo’s plant collection is extremely valuable, considered by many to be more valuable than the Zoo’s animal residents. However, very few plants are well recognized because, let’s face it, people like cute fuzzy animals better. But one tree in the Hawaiian plant garden deserves some recognition, considering its importance in Hawaiian music and culture. Some people may recognize koa wood from a certain movie about surfing penguins, but it’s not just good for an awesome surfboard. Koa wood is what ukuleles are traditionally made of because of its resonant quality. Unfortunately for those who love nothing more than an authentic ukulele, this tree and many other Hawaiian plants and animals are threatened by invasive species, disease, development, and pollution.

So next time you visit the Zoo, check out some of these cool plants and animals along with your favorites. Also, feel free to watch your favorite movies. You never know how they can help plants and animals around the world.

Madolyn, Real World Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

For our first hands-on experience, Zoo Educator Guide, Rachelle Marcon, led us up and down winding paths at the San Diego Zoo. We saw animals of all shapes and sizes including binturongs, kookaburras, and giant anteaters! She also brought us into the housing area of the koalas. Continuing our journey through the zoo, we visited the giraffe enclosure and fed the giraffes right out of our hands! Travis, one of the younger male giraffes, had a hearty appetite, stuffing his face with acacia leaves. While I was feeding him, his long tongue touched my hand and got sticky saliva all over my fingers. What a strange feeling!

My favorite part of the day was feeding the Bactrian camels. I never really realized that camels are such social animals. As soon as they saw us coming with the food, they rushed over to the gate to greet us. I placed my hand out in front of the large male camel, Mongo, and watched nervously as he leaned in to inspect the pellet I was offering. I thought for sure he would take off a finger or two. Of course, I was just fine and he was delighted to get a tasty treat out of it. Because it’s nearly winter, he had grown a thick, shaggy winter coat that made him seem even bigger. The Bactrian camels are native to China and Mongolia where their winter coats keep them protected from freezing temperatures. What I found really intriguing was that during the summer, when the camels at the Zoo shed their coats, the fur is used as enrichment for other animals that like to roll around in it.

It was an exciting day for us all; an experience we will not soon forget. Feeding giraffes and camels is something not everybody gets to do and learning about so many different animals and why they are becoming endangered can be an eye-opening experience. I think that if everyone could share in these experiences, then a lot more people would have an appreciation towards animals and their habitats.

Eric, Real World Team

Zoo InternQuest is a career exploration program for high school students. For more information see the Zoo InternQuest Journals. For more photos see the Zoo InternQuest Photo Journal.

“Wow!” That was the expression in my mind when we began our first hands-on InternQuest experience. The program had promised unique and exciting experiences and it certainly did not disappoint. We started by meeting Rachelle Marcon, an Educator Guide at the San Diego Zoo. Ms. Marcon has to be one of the most exciting people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Her exuberant and friendly attitude immediately connected with all of us. In no time we finished with the introductions and Ms. Marcon led us into the Zoo for what was to be a fascinating and fun behind-the-scenes tour.

We got a brief overview of Ms. Marcon’s job at the Zoo. She informed us that she is an Educator Guide, a position designed to lead tours through the Zoo as well as give hands-on experiences with a variety of animal ambassadors. To give us an idea of the background needed to be an Educator Guide, she explained that most of the Zoo’s educators have varying levels of teaching experience. She herself had formerly been a kindergarten teacher and fell into a job at the Zoo after volunteering at one of the summer camp programs. We learned that many San Diego Zoo educators have Bachelor’s and even Master’s degrees in biology, animal husbandry, and animal behavior or other similar . Most also have had past experience working with animals.

I quickly jotted down what Ms. Marcon had said only to realize that we were at the giraffe exhibit. We were lead back behind the exhibit where a bucket of fresh branches was waiting for us. Then it finally hit me. We were going to get to feed the giraffes!

We lined up along the fence, as a young giraffe named Travis came over to our group. The name seemed to suit him perfectly, although I’m still not entirely sure why. He had to be the friendliest giraffe I have ever seen in my life. He was more than happy to stuff his face with the acacia leaves that we were offering. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this towering creature. Travis immediately let us all know that he was thankful for the food by wrapping his long blue tongue around our acacia branches, completely stripping them of leaves. When he ate the leaves from my branch he his tongue briefly licked my hand. It felt much different than you might expect. The saliva on his tongue was incredibly sticky, almost like glue. I don’t think I’ve ever shivered from having an animal lick my hand but I suppose there is a first time for everything. Ms. Marcon was the person who got the most attention from Travis, however. He must have recognized her from previous tours. All of us laughed when Travis playfully nudged her shoulder.

Stephen, Careers Team

Hi, my name is Nina. I am a senior in high school. I have a sister, a brother, and some amazing parents and friends. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, listening to music, and hanging out with my friends. I also enjoy learning more about God. I am somewhat adventurous, surfing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and forever admiring cars.

I originally wanted to be a zoologist and work at The San Diego Zoo, but now I’m also thinking I might want to train service dogs to help kids with autism. I recently visited a unique university in Santa Rosa and took a tour that inspired me to use my abilities and talents to help disabled kids by training dogs that will aid them in their everyday lives.

During this program, I look forward to learning more about animal science and will greatly appreciate all the knowledge that I gain.

I am representing the Photography Team.