Summary of Zoo Update from Zoo CEO and Director Denise M. Verret – August 2023:
The Los Angeles Zoo has been busy with various programs and initiatives this summer. They have hosted over 1,100 Zoo Campers and have visited 34 public libraries in partnership with the L.A. Public Library. The Zoo also welcomed its second cohort of paid interns engaged in project-based learning and professional development in Learning & Engagement and Conservation. The interns have been working on various projects, such as researching the impacts of eucalyptus trees on soil health and studying the types of reptiles in the Zoo’s oak woodlands. The Zoo also saw the culmination of its first-ever Teen Council for Conservation program, where teenagers from excluded communities focused on conservation, social and environmental justice, and climate change. The Teen Council held a community engagement event at the Zoo to raise awareness about access to green spaces. The Zoo emphasizes the importance of engaging children and future generations in protecting the environment and wildlife for a sustainable future.
Summary:
– The Los Angeles Zoo has been busy this summer hosting Zoo Campers and partnering with the Los Angeles Public Library to educate children about the Zoo’s history and foster an appreciation for nature.
– The Zoo welcomed its second cohort of paid interns working on real-world conservation learning & Engagement projects.
– The first-ever L.A. Zoo Teen Council for Conservation completed its nine-month program, focusing on local conservation solutions and hosting a community engagement event at the Zoo.
– Programs like Zoo Camp, the partnership with the library, and the Teen Council for Conservation aim to engage children and future generations in protecting the environment and wildlife.
Despite the sweltering heat, the Los Angeles Zoo has experienced a whirlwind of excitement this summer; with more than 1,100 Zoo Campers and a Los Angeles Public Library partnership, the Zoo has been bustling with energy and education. This article will delve into the unique and fascinating aspects of the Zoo Update from Zoo CEO and Director Denise M. Verret, shedding light on the remarkable initiatives and projects at the Zoo.
One of the key highlights of this summer at the Los Angeles Zoo has been the outreach program partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). As part of this collaboration, the Zoo has visited 34 LAPL branches throughout the city to engage with children and teach them about the zoo’s rich history. The history of the Zoo’s relocation from its former location near Mineral Wells in Griffith Park to its current site is a unique tale that captivates the imagination of young minds. Through this partnership, the Zoo aims to foster a love and appreciation for the biodiversity in their backyard, connecting kids with nature meaningfully.
Another remarkable feat the Los Angeles Zoo achieved is welcoming its second cohort of paid interns. This program allows 18 outstanding young individuals from systemically excluded communities in Los Angeles to engage in project-based learning and professional development in Conservation and Learning & Engagement. Over ten weeks, these interns closely follow their mentors and work on various real-world projects.
One group of interns working in the Conservation Division s researching eucalyptus trees’ impact on soil health. This study aims to understand the potential ramifications these trees may have on the ecosystem’s delicate balance. Additionally, interns in this division study the various reptile species in the Zoo’s oak woodlands, examining their specific habitats and how they interact with their surroundings. Understanding the intricate relationship between these reptiles and their environment is crucial for conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, ihe Learning & Engagement Division interns are honing their community engagement skills by interacting with zoo visitors through nature play activities. These activities include nature journaling, a practice that encourages individuals to observe and document nature’s wonders, and California condor spotting, an exciting opportunity to encounter one of the rarest bird species in the world.
In July, the Los Angeles Zoo witnessed the culmination of the first-ever L.A. Zoo Teen Council for Conservation (TCC). This program brings together youths from systemically excluded communities in Los Angeles, empowering them to create positive changes for the natural world in their communities. Over nine months, Teen Councilmembers representing 13 L.A. City Council Districts focused on conservation, social and environmental justice, and climate change. Their efforts culminated in a community engagement event hosted at the Zoo in July, where they highlighted three conservation issues close to their hearts: urban greening, community gardens, and pollution. By giving these young individuals a platform to voice their concerns and share their ideas, the TCC aims to create pathways toward a future centered on local conservation solutions.
As we approach the end of summer, it is crucial to remember nature’s profound impact on children’s lives. The environment and its well-being directly affect them and future generations. To ensure a sustainable future for wildlife and harmonious coexistence, engaging every child and inspiring them to protect our planet is essential. The various programs hosted by the Los Angeles Zoo, such as Zoo Camp, the partnership with the library, and the Teen Council for Conservation, provide opportunities to instill a love and appreciation for nature in young hearts and minds. These children are our future ambassadors and advocates for people and wildlife to thrive, creating a brighter future for both.
In conclusion, the Zoo Update from Zoo CEO and Director Denise M. Verret showcases the extraordinary endeavors of the Los Angeles Zoo this summer. From engaging children through educational partnerships with the library to offering paid internships for young individuals from excluded communities, the Zoo is making a significant impact. The first-ever L.A. Zoo Teen Council for Conservation also empowers youths to create positive community changes by addressing conservation issues. These initiatives serve as a reminder that the well-being of wildlife and nature is intricately connected to the well-being of future generations. The Los Angeles Zoo ensures a sustainable and harmonious future for all by engaging children and inspiring them to protect our planet.
