Hi, I'm Rebecca Gonzales, a fisheries and wildlife major, in the School of Natural Resources.

I helped the keepers with their every day routines and also helped with many different  projects that needed to be done.  This included everything from preparing diets for animals to holding a corn snake while her cage was being cleaned.  I had the opportunity to work with each keeper and their string of animals they take care of on a daily basis.  This provided me the opportunity to learn about all the different species at the zoo, from the tiny khuli marmosets to Dumeril's Monitor Lizards, to the enormous camels.

While at the zoo, I also had the chance to help with a new exhibit being built.  The keepers have to look at the exhibit construction from an animal's perception to make sure it is safe.  Keepers are also in charge of giving medication to the animals, which I also got to assist with.  I learned the importance of enrichment for zoo animals and helped prepare some.  Some of these included placing food in toys for the baboons to find and putting together the river otter's exhibit before opening day.

This internship was a wonderful experience that not only provided me with great hands-on experience, but also helped me realize that I am on the right path for my career choice and goals.  I learned being a zookeeper can often be a dirty and hard working job, but I enjoyed the work and helping with all the different animals.  The internship introduced me to many contacts and valuable references for the future, which will be very helpful once I graduate in December and begin to look for a job.  I recommend students going into the zoo animal care option within the Fisheries and Wildlife major to consider looking into an internship at the Lincoln Children's Zoo.  There is so much to learn and do while working there.  It has been a great experience!