Teens get taste of animal conservation

By: ERIKA AYN FINCH - For the North County Times | Thursday, December 18, 2003 10:25 PM PST ∞

SAN PASQUAL ---- As the giraffes craned their heads inside the open-bed truck, eager for a tasty treat, a group of teenagers stared back at the creatures in awe. They laughed when the giraffes licked their fingers with purple tongues and they snapped pictures of some of the San Diego Wild Animal Park's largest residents Wednesday.

"This is amazing," Erica Mitchell, 17, said. "I've never been so close up to an almost wild animal. You don't realize how big they are until they are right in front of you."

Mitchell, along with 10 other high school students, participated in the animal park's Conservation Corps pilot program. The program, which began in September, was developed by the park's education department as a way to inspire teenagers to consider the conservation and preservation of animal species and their habitats.

The teens have spent one Saturday each month for the last four months learning about the park's conservation efforts and working with park staff to educate the public about conservation. They have also participated in one "action day" each month. The action days get the teens out into the park, such as with the giraffe encounter this week, and gives them hands-on experience in conservation field projects.

"I think the program helps give the kids direction," said Bob Jillespie, educator guide. "Kids at this age don't know what they want to do, so we are giving them the chance to work in the field. The theme is conservation through education."

The teens were chosen out of 17 applicants to participate in the pilot program. Most of the students came from local high schools, but at least one traveled from Irvine to take part in the program. Bonnie Beckman, 16, said it has been worth the drive.

"I have participated in Zoo Corps at the San Diego Zoo and I just love the animals," Bonnie said as she took a break from snapping pictures in the East Africa enclosure. "This is another good thing to do to get involved with the animals."

The program initially began as a way to help local underprivileged teens get a taste of conservation, but was expanded to include all high schools, Jillespie said. The pilot program ends this month, but organizers said the official program will begin in February. High school students interested in participating will be invited to an orientation in January, where they will learn more about the program and receive an application. All applicants will be interviewed by the park's education department.

While the pilot program was free for the students, due to funding from the Meeker Foundation ---ñ an education grant program for kids ---ñ the official program will cost $100 per teen. Organizers said scholarships will be available for teens who cannot afford the cost.

Students will participate in one action day and up to three education days each month in the program. Up to 20 teens, ages 14 through 17, will be chosen for the 2004 program.

Lorin Scott, 17, said she heard about the program through a teacher at San Pasqual High School. She said she loves being around animals, but admitted educating the public was a bit nerve wracking.

"I was nervous, at first, to share the things I learned with the program," she said. "But now I feel like I am doing my part."

While the teens had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the park's 21 giraffes, they also learned about the animal's behavior from Fred Bercovitch, head of the division of behavioral biology for the Zoological Society of San Diego. Bercovitch taught the students how behavioralists learn to distinguish between the giraffes by identifying their unique spots. He also discussed giraffe mating rituals and birth control programs.

"This is important because it brings in the next generation," Bercovitch said. "If we don't do that, this is all for naught. If we can't convey the enthusiasm we have, if we can't convince them conservation is a worthwhile effort, then we are at a dead end."

The students were fascinated by Bercovitch's facts, listening intently and asking questions. Allyson Evans, 15, said it was great to hear about the park's conservation efforts.

"This is an awesome experience," Evans said. "You get to hear from someone who studies these animals and really knows what's going on."

Stephany Varga, 16, agreed that the education aspect was especially rewarding.

"This is the best part," Varga said as she made notes on a specific giraffe's behavior. "The interaction is great and you are learning from someone who really knows. Fred is in the field, he has experience with the animals and he knows what to do in the field."

Many of the teens have aspirations of working with animals and in the field of conservation. Erica and Allyson both talked about becoming veterinarians, while Bonnie said she wants to be a National Geographic photojournalist.

Bercovitch said it was rewarding to pass on the information to the teens and hopes it will influence their futures.

"I see it as an obligation," Bercovitch said. "As scientists, it is wrong to be intellectually stuck in an ivory tower. We need to be able to convey our findings to and communicate at all levels, not only in our little inborn world of academics. If we can light a spark, we have achieved our goal."

Orientation classes for the program will be held Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Jan. 21 from 5 to 6 p.m.; and Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Teens must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the Conservation Corps, call (760) 738-5057 or visit www.wildanimalpark.org.