Gillian's Reptiland Summer Experience

This past weekend was our annual Dino Days event. It was so busy all three days! We barely had anytime to do actual animal care because we were always interacting with guests. Some extra things that are a part of Dino days include information tours, tables, guest speakers, and Victor the Velociraptor (A costume for guests to take pictures with). My favorite part was the food truck we had. They specialized in grilled cheese. Each day I got pierogis, mozzarella sticks, and a slushy. Employees got half off, so I had to make the most of it.  I also recently have gotten in some gator work. For souvenir photos, I strap the gators mouth shot and work on my camera skills. Here is a picture of one of our show gators, Bucky. 

 Over the past few days, we have completed our zoo camps for the season. While I was not with the kids the entire time, it helped me realize that for a career I want to be more hands on with kids on the day to day. This weekend will be our Dino Days, and I may be dressed up as a dinosaur to meet with kids. A professional paleontologist will be coming to give information out as well. I love all the information and facts I have learned while being here, and I hope to keep learning. Some days are hard, but I cannot believe I am already more than a third of the way done. 

Here are some photos of the animals we have. The first is a baby box turtle. Next, is a Komodo dragon. Our two dragons are named Thurber and Saphira. Lastly, is a Great Horned Owl, of which we have two, Darwin and Wallace. Some other interesting animals we have include our legless lizard which is a new arrival. My favorite animals to work with so far are the boas, skinks, and Aldabs.   

 This experience has given me a lot of insight about what life might be like after I graduate. Working a full time job is exhausting, and then I have to come home and cook dinner and clean. It has given me an appreciation for all my parents have done for me.  Today, I gave my first show. I had three families, so it was nice to start small. The whole thing I just felt like I was trying to ramble off as much information as possible. Everybody was really kind in the audience and said I did a great job afterward. Tomorrow, I will do another show which is hopefully even better than the first.  Also, recently, I have also been able to visit most of the shops on my street, and I love them all! There is a super cute craft store that is probably my favorite.  They have a really adorable dog that roams the store which gives me my pet fix.