all09k
Registered: December 2010
City/Town/Province: Tallahassee
Posts: 1
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Imagine vast, luscious green cloud forests with numerous volcanoes, and five percent of the world’s biodiversity, all in 19,653 square km! I am speaking about Costa Rica, one of the most popular places that biologists observe because of the sundry wildlife that it holds. I am a sophomore at the Florida State University with a Minor in Spanish and a Major in Zoology, but biology has consumed my life for more than just two years at college. It is my ambition is to become a traveling veterinarian for large, exotic animals; I started dissecting lizards at age three and have been constantly inspired by the world’s book of science. I have journeyed before to Canada, Russia and China, and with the taste of travel, I am avid for more; this time, I was eager to put my animal care into practice and challenge and advance my animal education.
After researching wildlife programs in Costa Rica, I chose La Marina Animal Rescue Center and Zoo in Ciudad Quesada for its objective and the types of animals located there. The center is home to two of the four lions in the entire country as well as jaguars, ocelots, margays, monkeys, tapirs, a capybara, a coyote, deer, pigs and a range of birds! It is a family owned operation, and despite their great efforts and accomplishments, the conditions are less than satisfactory. Apart from the lionesses, the felines’ enclosures are comparatively small and have limited entertainment opportunities, and most cages throughout the center are confined with sharp wire that is potentially harmful for the animals. My purpose as a volunteer there was to learn how a zoo operates, observe how the animals have adapted to zoo life and how they coexist, follow the Veterinarian when he makes occasional rounds and to assist with the daily work.
Little did I realize that I would learn so much more! All of the other volunteers (nine of them) all taught me something about their work at the zoo and of their country. I had the opportunity of observing one of the Vet.’s projects with the monkeys; Dr. Gonzalez tranquilized them, gave them a routine physical and administered a de-wormer vaccine and vitamin supply; I even got to help with the physical! Not only did I get to enjoy a foreign and fascinating culture, but I also developed relationships with some of the animals. My host family was the family that owned the zoo so I had the opportunity of discovering how they started the zoo and the achievements that have been made thus far; I also got to learn more about the animals’ pasts that have inhabited the zoo for many years. With this background, I could better relate to the animals and focus on how a rescue center can be improved by various conditions and enrichment possibilities. Since I enjoy working with any creature that could have me as a meal, I was immediately drawn to the felines at the zoo, especially the lionesses; volunteering ten hour shifts, they were my first priority every day. I released the lionesses from their cages into the small-scale grassland they had to walk and play and even fed them at night. The older lioness had an in-grown nail and I was able to go in the cage with her (after she was tranquilized) when the Vet. trimmed her nails. Although, I mostly bonded with the younger one and we ran along the fence until we were both panting; she would even slide against the thin chain-link fence for me to rub her back. Later in my visit, I was realizing how important enrichment is, and we gave them wooden balls for their entertainment. The rare opportunities that I had at the zoo will hopefully inspire others to also contribute and create awareness to problems that might occur with rescue animals and how the center can use unlimited volunteer assistance.
Other than the balls given to the lionesses, the animals only have branches to climb. I am planning to return again this summer with further enrichment ideas. For example, I will contact construction companies in Costa Rica that are willing to donate used spools, which could be utilized to create levels for the felines to climb, giving them an improved opportunity for exercise. These animals have already been rescued from unfavorable situations, sometimes even death; therefore, it is consequential that the care for these animals remains at excellent standing. Their lives at the rescue center may not be quintessential, but nevertheless, they are given a basic but healthy diet, a safe environment and a greater chance at living. Furthermore, they provide a reason for people to notice how exceptional these animals are; the zoo also provides a great extent of information for the visitors concerning the animals’ details, welfare and contribution to ecosystems in their natural habitats.
That is how my work there as a volunteer was influential in my life as well as in others’; I spoke with visitors about the advantages of the zoo and the importance of continuing good conditions. With more visits and observations, the community will be able to get better involved with the advertisement of the rescue center as well as the improvement of its environment and awareness of its distinction. Throughout the trip, I had to witness some unfortunate situations with the animals at the zoo, but the experience has encouraged me to maintain education for myself and others to someday produce a safer and better environment for animals in need. I can now apply what I have learned into my studies and future work; as a member of FSU’s Pre-Veterinarian Club, I have even been able to pass on my understanding to others as well as hold discussions on animal well-being. For one month, I had the most influential experience that has broadened my scope of the world, academic interests, personal perspectives and has eminently inspired me in my career path towards Veterinary Medicine and the significance of animal welfare advancement!
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