Wednesday, April 04, 2007

The week in Buffalo

Where do I even begin?

Last week I spent my time job shadowing/mini-interning in Buffalo at three different facilities. You saw the picture of the beluga, well that was just the beginning. There was also killer whales (orcas)...
Not to mention the humbolt penguins I got to feed. Unfortunately my hands were all fishy so I couldn't take a picture.

At the aquarium, I fed the cutest harbor seal known to man...I know, I know... she's killing you with cuteness.Other highlights would be giving enrichment to the giraffes.The buckets are filled with hay, vegetables and "giraffe biscuits" and there are holes cut into the sides of the bucket. Basically it's designed to make them use the long tongues to get into the buckets and get the goodies.

I also enriched him and his playmate (Kodiak & Grizzly bears).Basically we went into their enclosure (obviously not while they were in there) and smeared peanut butter on the walls and hid their food all over the enclosure. It basically makes them use their noses to sniff out the food.

My trip had so many highlights, but one of the best was getting to give two elephants baths.This is just a picture of the rinsing off. The keeper gave them the command to lay down and once they were down we went in and scrubbed them down with elephant soap (actual soap designed specifically for elephants!).

All-in-all, it was a great week with a ton of great experiences. Of course, the highlights I'm telling you about are just that, highlights. I'm totally leaving out the majority of time which was spent shoveling ____ (I'm sure you can only guess what goes in that blank) and cleaning. But I tell you, it's so worth it when you get to work with some amazing animals.

I'll be posting some knitting stuff soon too, that is, when I find the time, this week has been crazy too!

19 comments:

C+SK said...

Oh my goodness!!! I am so jealous of all that animal love and cuteness!!!

Venus said...

That is amazing! And you are right, that is the cutest harbor seal known to man. The pictures of you with the killer whales are great.

Knittripps said...

Wow! That is so amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. They actually make special soap for elephants? Wow again. And that is the cutest harbor seal ever.

Anonymous said...

You are right, that seal is too adorable.

You had such an amazing week, thanks for sharing the pictures!!

Anonymous said...

Wow wee! Yes, that is truly the cutest harbor seal in the world! But I'm am so very jealous of the bath you got to give to the elephants. They're my favorite wild creatures! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Anonymous said...

What fun!! That whiskery little face is irresistable.

Webbies said...

Your pictures are utterly fantastic, I heart animals....they are so beautiful! That seal is adorable, I keep scrolling up to see it!

Anonymous said...

The seal pic just ripped my heart out...they are the cutest animals! (okay my dog is actually cuter...but she does have great big puppy dog eyes that look an awful lot like that seal's) ;o)

Jackie said...

You have certainly chosen the right field to study and work in. I can hear your enthusiasm and joy for your job shadowing experience. You are going to have such a great summer!

Anonymous said...

you are so lucky!!!! I would LOVE it!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you are having a great time. I could never work at a zoo.... I would want to pet all of the animals, even the bears!

Anonymous said...

It's all so fantastic!

And, seriously, after all of the "enriching", there's gonna be some "output". :-)

Keep on learning!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures!! Sounds like you've had quite an interesting time. Love those whiskers!!!

Anonymous said...

so much animal love! the harbor seal is to sweet for words. Sounds like you had a very rewarding week

Anonymous said...

What fun! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

Mia said...

Very cool pics! I LOVe that one of you in front of the aquarium w/the whale.. it looks kind of magical!

But that baby seal is pretty darn cute too....

LisaB said...

Wow that is so amazing the things you are doing. And so awesome that you are working with animals that you love!

That would have been so neat to scrub that elephant down! :)

sarah said...

How fun! You look so at home there in the zoo (that sounded a little strange...) and it's cool to see your hard work getting to play out!

And your Shawl really turned out beautifully. What a good daughter :)

Anonymous said...

Hi-New to your blog and didn't realize when I wrote my first comment that you WORK with the animals. WOW! I don't say "cool" very often but that really is cool. Good for you. What a great job.h