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

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