Zoo Tails 39
Beverly Burge
Hospital/Quarantine Unit

Hi All! Summer is here! Besides the heat, one the "things" that arrive round about June or July, are our summer interns. These students come from all over the world and usually spend a month to 6 weeks working in all parts of the zoo. I thought you might enjoy hearing from one of them. I am happy to introduce Jessica Stein from Fairfax, Virginia.
Jessica writes: I asked myself as I was preparing for my summer in Israel what would be the best way to occupy my time. I'd already completed a summer program involving lots of hikes and tours of the country so this time I was looking for something new. After finishing my third year of university studies in America as an Animal Science major I knew it had to be something related to animals but I'd already worked at regular clinics of dogs and cats, and on the farms at school. I wanted something new. So my sister pointed me in the direction of the zoo.
Before I left for Israel I visited the clinic that I worked at last summer and told everyone that I would be volunteering at the zoo in Israel. Everyone's first response was shock and then excitement. Some people didn’t believe me. Everyone was so jealous of the amazing opportunity and made me promise to take a ton of pictures. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived for my first day at work but it certainly wasn’t "So you go into the cage with the squirrel monkey to clean it." I thought to myself "I get to go in the cages? You can't be serious." But they were. I get to stand right next to most animals that people only look at from the other side of the glass. Everyday my niece and my nephew ask me about the new animals that come in and were absolutely thrilled when I brought my camera home filled with pictures of the animals. Since they don't have a pet, unless you consider the stray cat that lives on their windowsill a pet, they love hearing stories and looking at pictures of all the amazing animals. Even though I've only been working here for a short time, I know this summer is going to be filled with new learning experiences and tons of amazing stories to bring back to the states. I can't thank everyone at the zoo enough for being so helpful and willing to teach. I can't wait to return to classes and be bored when the professors show slides of animals that I had close encounters with during my summer at the zoo.

Thank you, Jessica!

We have a lot for planned for this summer, including two new art exhibitions in the Small Animal Building and in the Noah's Ark Visitor Center and concerts on the grass. The concerts will be held during July and August every Monday and Thursday from 16:30 to 19:00. Bring your picnic baskets and join us!
Please, have a safe and happy Summer!