We did it!

As the winter session comes to an end, six interns and the zookeeper apprentice will be leaving the Sanctuary in hopes pursue jobs in animal care in the future. While we often joked that the internship here was “zookeeper boot camp,” it has left us knowing so much more about this field and exactly what it takes to be a zookeeper. It is rigorous work that challenges you everyday, but getting to work around these majestic animals has been an amazingly rewarding experience, particularly with the Sanctuary’s Emotional Enrichment program. Through this program, we were able to develop strong bonds with a few animals. While we are all incredibly sad to leave say goodbye to our Emotional Enrichment partners, we know it is time for a new batch of interns to learn what they need to become zookeepers! Thank you so much to all of IEAS staff who helped guide us during our time here—we are so appreciative!

Of course, we had to take a goofy one!