SRU senior simply ‘wild’ about Pittsburgh Zoo internship
Jacob Smith, a parks and natural resource management major from the North Hills, feeds a red panda at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Smith is interning at the zoo this summer.
June 7, 2016
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Jacob Smith might not be confused with Jack Hanna or Jim Fowler, but the Slippery Rock University senior is finding his way through his own "wild kingdom" courtesy of an internship with the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.
Smith, a senior parks and natural resource management major, is spending the summer helping to care for a group of more than 50 furry creatures the zoo uses for public education and live animal shows.
As part of his daily routine, the North Hills native assists in the feeding of a wide variety of zoo "residents," including: red pandas, baby alligators, tarantulas, a fennec fox and a pair of kinkajous, a rainforest mammal related to the raccoon.
"I've always loved animals whether they were wild or domesticated," Smith said. "Working alongside such a variety like this is an incredible opportunity. Some people might get skittish around a few of them, but I've have never felt nervous around any of the animals."
Smith said the zoo, which has 475 different species across its 77 acres, employs animals in its conservation and education department for a variety of children's and other visitor's programs, providing tailored options for age groups from preschool to college.
"I haven't had the opportunity to teach in the classrooms yet, but I do get to act as an animal handler and present information on them through programming at the Safari Amphitheater," Smith said.
In conjunction with his internship, Smith is planning an independent research project, partnering with Rebecca Thomas, SRU assistant professor of parks and recreation, on the public's perception of the effectiveness of the zoo's educational programs.
"I will be surveying people to see if they are retaining the information presented at the amphitheater pertaining to conservation, research, rescue and rehabilitation that the zoo is involved with," Smith said. "I chose this topic since I am most familiar with the amphitheater and it is important that people understand all of the great things that the zoo does."
Smith, who also conducted a wildlife management study at Goddard State Park during the spring semester, said the internship opportunity with the zoo complements his education and passion for wildlife.
"My main focus is environmental education and wildlife management and conservation," said Smith. "Education is the key to connecting people to the value of wildlife on our planet. At the zoo, I not only gain excellent professional experience in animal education, but I also get hands-on experience in working with the animals. It's a fantastic opportunity."
Smith said he hopes his work will eventually help to broaden the public's understanding of the zoo's mission beyond entertainment.
"I am focusing on the information that people take away from each of our daily shows," Smith said. "The live animal shows are meant to inform people about the research, preservation, rescue and rehabilitation activities that the zoo is involved with.
"It is important for people to understand that the Pittsburgh Zoo is not just a place where animals are kept for show, but it is also a place that has an extremely positive impact on wildlife worldwide."
MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu