First Time Alone and Zoonosis Class

Yesterday I got very few pictures because it was my first day of test training! This means that I am getting to the level in volunteering where they think I know the animals well enough, and they trust me enough, to go into the enclosures alone and do all of the daily work.

I first went into the bobcat enclosures, getting a 100% on my work! I didn't get any pictures since when you are the only one in the enclosure no one is watching your back while you snap shots, so I didn't want to risk it on my first try! All of the bobcats are comfortable with me, but they are wild animals which means you can never fully know what is going on in their brains. 

I then went to help with Hannah, I was able to get some pictures of her because since I am not an employee I cannot go into her enclosure (for safety reasons). I did play soccer (she has a GIANT ball) with her though!

And for all of you who were wondering, she is better at soccer than I am!

After I was done playing with Hannah I went to Samson's enclosure. I also went into this one alone (he has a two sided enclosure and was in the other side) and cleaned it. He came over to say hi and to watch me while I did so. I also got a 100% on his enclosure which means I am getting very close to no longer needing to be constantly watched! This will help free up the staff to do other projects increasing the amount of work able to be done each day.

After I did all of that work I attended a Zoonosis class. The class was all about diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. I learned that generally it is indirectly passed usually through formites, which are inanimate objects that harbor micro-organism that are harmful to humans. 

The class was very informative and it has definitely reminded me the importance of always wearing gloves, switching them out between enclosures, and to wash my hands continually. While we like to think that all of our animals are free of disease, there is always the possibility that it is simply in remission. 

We also get a lot of rehabilitation animals in, which require even more precautions since they are more likely to have the various diseases that we could contract. 

All in all, volunteer was a very informative and enriching experience this week that helped move me into the next level of knowledge, bringing me closer to my goal.