In photo from top row left: Miriam Lee, Hong Kong; Sarah Wegner, Springfield, O.H.; Kelsey Gibbs, Med- ford, N.J.; Lauren King, Shelburne, V.T.; Megan Klodnicki, Utica, N.Y.
From bottom row left: Kristin Haser, Zanesville, O.H.; Mariead Tauro, Redwood, N.Y.; Nina Cerminaro, South Brunswick, N.J.; Miranda Fritz, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Emma Clements, Cherry Valley, N.Y.; Amanda Mondt, Syracuse, N.Y.; Adele Friello, Johnstown, N.Y.
Missing from photo: Mariah Williams, Bronx, N.Y.
(Utica, NY – Aug. 2013) The Utica Zoo family grew a little this summer with students from various areas of the state, country, and even world joining the crew as a part of the Zoo’s Internship Program. Hailing from Hong Kong to New Zealand, these students spent their summer vacation as Zoo interns to gain knowledge and experience in their fields of study.
Miriam Lee, originally from Hong Kong explains, “As a pre-veterinary student, I have been exposed to so many aspects of zoo-keeping and care for exotic species. The experience will definitely help me in pursuing a veterinary career.”
The interns all met for the first time on May 28 at a pizza luncheon hosted by the Zoo. Departments include keeper, veterinary, education and public relations interns.
“This internship is providing me with so much experience in animal care, enrichment, and training. The knowledge I’m gaining here will be very useful for my career as a zookeeper,” said Kristin Haser of Gainesville, Ohio.
From cleaning, feeding, record keeping and diet preparation, to updating Zoo databases and planning for special events, all of the interns gain experience in a fun and interesting way.