Trevor92
Registered: December 2011
City/Town/Province: Cole Camp
Posts: 1
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Cruising down the road, I sat in the back of my parents’ truck watching the great outdoors and its many wonders. Trees flew by as we sped down the road, then something changed. A section of the forest had been destroyed by logging. Trees were missing, damaged, and lying dead on the forest floor. I have always hated seeing a beautiful forest become broken. I imagined myself as one of those animals who lost their home and a pang of sorrow hit my heart. I love animals and the beauty of the great outdoors. I have always hated seeing a logged forest, a stream full of trash, or a random beer can stranded on the trail. I never litter and always pick up trash during my hikes. I want to make things better and teach people to understand and respect animals.
This year is the year I gained a lot of ground. I started giving education programs about animals and their importance to life. I taught people ways to help protect wildlife, the effect of non-native species, why you shouldn’t release exotic animals, and basic facts to help audiences gain knowledge and understanding of these organisms. My first presentation was for a small high school class in Otterville, Missouri. Various high school and middle school students crowded into the small classroom before the presentation started. It went better than I imagined and everyone loved my animals. This was the starting point of my new adventure and I wanted to continue my journey. Soon after I found information about various clubs and organizations, hoping I would be able to present my animals to educate society. I contacted leaders of the clubs and extension offices to learn more.
In April, 2011, I agreed to help out at the Earth Day Celebration at State Fair Community College. I had a couple of snakes that I brought and allowed people to touch. It astonished me when I saw children approach my animals with curiosity and amazement. These kids loved the creatures. I was glad to answer their questions. Since then I have done several more programs that involved young kids. The largest group I presented was at Boys and Girls Club in Sedalia, Missouri. I approached that program believing it was going to be another small group. I was wrong. The assembly was held in the gymnasium, involving over two hundred kids. I was thankful I brought my younger brother along to help with the program. Sage, my ten foot boa constrictor, was the star of the show. Everyone loved the animals but when I took out my big girl, the whole gym filled with noise as the students were amazed by Sage’s size and beauty. I was hoping to help the children understand the importance of these animals. They are the next generation of naturalists. The more the kids understand these animals and love them, the better the natural world will become in the future. Many young kids fear an animal such as a snake because their parents were afraid of them. When I bring Sage, it helps them understand that these creatures aren’t the monsters they grew up believing. I have been around people who hate snakes but loved Sage.
When I was younger, I enjoyed watching wildlife shows at carnivals, amusement parks, and zoos. When the presenter asked for a volunteer, my hand flew up immediately with excitement. I was disappointed when I wasn’t chosen to encounter a magnificent creature. So, at my presentations I always ask for volunteers, but I make sure no child is left out. At the end of the shows, I let anyone come up and interact with the animals, even if there are two hundred kids. I love watching the reaction on a child’s face when they touch a snake for the first time. Their eyes widen and their mouths drop with admiration. This helps teach the child to realize its beauty and the respect this animal deserves. The coordinators loved my presentation so much that they asked if I wanted to give a second presentation for another group that same day. That was an offer I couldn’t resist.
In July, I gave my first carnival presentation in Warsaw, Missouri. I was excited but yet nervous at the same time. I didn’t know what to expect. I was afraid that the show wasn’t going to be a big hit. There were some miscommunications and schedule conflicts before the presentation. When it was time for the show, I had a few people watching. The audience was small. I was disappointed but knew I must begin the show. The moment I began to speak and the moment I brought out the animals, the crowed began to increase in size. Adults, children, and elders observed and listen to the presentation as I walked through the crowed carrying the animals and asking random questions to test the audience’s knowledge. I believe it’s important to get the audience involved. If it is a boring show, people won’t listen and my message wouldn’t get out into the public. I avoid giving boring presentations. I hated when I attend an assembly and the speaker stands behind a podium with no excitement and spoke about a certain topic. I had no interest in watching it and was unable to pay attention. I make sure my presentations are interesting and full of energy so that they catch the audience’s attention.
During the summer, I gave a total of eleven presentations. I also drove two hours from my house to the Dickerson Park Zoo on Saturdays to volunteer as a docent. My duties were to take animals onto the zoo grounds and educate the visitors. I also worked alongside one of the keepers. This helped me learn so much more about various species. I am a proud member of the Sierra Club, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Wildlife Federation. I’ve paid donations and signed petitions to help protect wildlife. In the past I wasn’t into politics but once I became involved with the Defenders of Wildlife I was stunned by the fact that so many politicians don’t care about the endangered species and our environment.
It is very important for people to understand the value of nature. During my presentations, I attempt to create a bond between the animal and the audience. This is very important because people will protect the things they love. Animals are no different from us humans. Each individual creature has its own personality. When I give my presentations, I not only educate the public but also open my own eyes to a greater knowledge of these creatures. The more I am around them, the closer I become to these outstanding animals. In some cases I can understand them better than most people. You can learn so much by watching animals. At times, they can even be the best teachers. In the past people worked alongside animals such as the wolf but as time went on, people started to fear the creature and create hatred. We have lost a bond with the natural world that our ancestors had. I am hoping to recreate that bond. People need to understand that there is more to these animals then what meets the eye.
Currently I am a full time student and work a part time job. I still volunteer at the zoo on Saturdays and give presentations during my free time. My future goal is to become a zoologist. I am interested in spending my life educating the world about the wild wonders of this planet. I am hoping to expand my shows and appear on television, helping to spread a message. Animals are my passion and the outdoors is my life. I would love to make a difference and change the world and help make a better place for wildlife all around the globe. I may just be a young college student but I have a lot a passion for what I love and want to do. Remember, it only takes one person to open the eyes of many.
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