Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Teen L.E.A.D.E.R.S.

Lead by Educating with Activities and Demonstrations on the Environment, Resources and Sciences



            “The Fresno Chaffee Zoo inspires wonder of our natural world…” This excerpt from the zoo’s mission statement has definitely proven true in my experience as a FCZ Teen LEADER. I believe that volunteering at the zoo allows me to inspire this passion for wildlife in the guests I encounter. However, I have found that interacting with these guests, children in particular, inspires me even more so.
            Volunteering at the cart, I get to play educational games with zoo guests. One game, Let’s Get Wet, is themed around aquatic adaptation. It lets guests stick their

 hand inside a bag insulated with Crisco mimicking the blubber on animals such as whales, and seals. While playing this game with guests, I once encountered a little girl who was sad that seals have to swim feeling cold in the water. After all, “they didn’t have warm jackets like people” she said.  Once I taught about blubber, and she placed her hand in the “blubber glove” submerged in ice water, she was struck with awe. The blubber on a seal is just like a jacket for a person! For the next ten minutes, she begged her mom to let her keep playing the game, and she was even shrieking with excitement.
            Seeing children so excited about wildlife gets me even more excited.  As an animal lover, knowing that my love is able to translate into another child’s appreciation is an ultimate reward.  Although my job as a Teen Leader is to inspire guests about wonder in the natural world, these children continually inspire me.


-Monet Gomes
Teen LEADERS

Friday, June 21, 2013

Producers Ice Cream Zoofari

August 10, 2013
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Beat the heat in this all-you-can-eat ice cream FUNdraiser.
 

Enjoy unlimited ice cream, sherbets, frozen yogurt, sundaes and smoothies with zoo-centric names such as Rocky Toad, Mint Monkeys ‘n Cream, and Cockatoo Cookie Dough. Guests will satisfy their sweet cravings while strolling through the Zoo and getting the latest scoop on their favorite animals. Kid-friendly entertainment will include live music and magic!

This event sells out. Get your tickets early!

 Ticket Prices: Children 1 yr. and under are FREE

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Members: 
Adults (12 years and up) $12.00 
Children (2-11 years) $8.00

Non-Members: 
Adults (12 years and up) $14.00 
Children (2-11 years) $10.00

Non-Member Day of Event: 
Adults (12 years and up) $16.00 
Children (2-11 years) $12.00
Ticket orders made after August 5, will be held at Will Call at the Zoo entrance. 

Order online at www.fresnochaffeezoo.org  , the front admission booth, or by calling 559-498-5921 M-F 9am-5pm. 

Thank you to our generous sponsors: 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Teen L.E.A.D.E.R.S.

Lead by Educating with Activities and Demonstrations on the Environment, Resources and Sciences


Sea Lion Cove: Through the Eyes of a Teen L.E.A.D.E.R.

Sea Lion Cove is a breathtaking exhibit. Although it's been open for months, I still can't get past that feeling of awe every time I wander its paths. The sights and sounds, all true to nature, are truly captivating. The only thing better than simply walking through Sea Lion Cove itself is the experience of leading an activity station cart there.

As a Teen L.E.A.D.E.R., I've had the opportunity to teach zoo guests at these carts through fun, yet educational activities and games. Topics range from the life cycle of a frog to the classification of mammals and fish. 

At Sea Lion Cove we theme activities around the animals that live there. As a guest holds a pelican skull replica and learns about its unique beak, they can turn around and see a living example. As another guest examines seal & sea lion puppets to compare their differences, they can tell me about the behaviors they  just saw the animals do. Being close to the animals we're talking about brings our guests a whole new understanding. It makes sense why committing to becoming more environmentally conscious is important and why our animals are so worth protecting. Being a part of this learning environment is a truly rewarding experience.

- Kaitlynn Webster,   Teen LEADER