Learning with Program Animals

Hello everyone, my name is Kayla and I have the amazing opportunity to intern with the Program Animals Department here at Zoo Atlanta for the summer. This is my first internship and I have gained an abundance of knowledge. As an intern, I get to work with several different keepers, one of which is our lead keeper. Each keeper gives me unique insights into different ways to work with our animals. I have been having a ball working with the Program Animals Department this summer.

My day is typically set at an upbeat pace. I’ll start my day by doing husbandry, which includes cleaning the animals’ areas, and feeding our small mammals and reptiles. In our small mammal room, we have a variety of different mammals. For example, we have chinchillas, rabbits, a tenrec, a hedgehog, and a few other mammals, who each have a radiant personality. Among our reptiles we have several different snakes, a few skinks, a bearded dragon, and much more. Since I intern with our Wieland Wildlife Home, I am able to help out with the three different wildlife presentations we have going on during the day. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see one of our BirdBook Live! shows or our presentation at Amy’s Tree, I highly recommend making time for them in your day. By the end of my day, I get to feed the animals, which is always a highlight for me.

Just recently, I had the amazing opportunity to host our Amy’s Tree presentation. It was such a great experience. I really enjoyed the chance to tell the audience all about the animals I had with me that day. Being an intern at Zoo Atlanta this summer has given me opportunities that I never thought I would have. I have really enjoyed getting to learn from our full-time keepers and I’m always asking questions just to learn as much as I can!

Thanks for reading, hope to see you all around the Zoo this summer!
Kayla Weeks
Summer Intern, Program Animals