Joyful Ruins

I recently wrote out my sick story, but felt compelled this morning to write out my work story. This is not just all the jobs I have worked, but my experiences and growing passion for conservation. I did it to remind myself of all the wonderful experiences I have had and, honestly, to remind myself of how much experience I do have. Here it goes…

I’m a girl who became a Zoo teen, found my tribe. Grew in confidence and love of teaching others. Fell in love with snakes the moment I first held one. Became an advocate for our scaly friends AND had thirst for learning ALL about wildlife and the world.

I became a leader, did brave things. And selfless things. I became the first teen reptile keeper, the first zoo teen supervisor (who had also been a former zoo teen).

I made it through a heavily science based degree with no grade lower than a B. Woo!

I lost my first job at my beloved home and it crushed me, though I still loved the zoo and continued giving my free time to it, once again, helping with the teen program.

I fed and loved the Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises (they will forever be my favorite creatures on this planet). Cleaned the sting ray pool while they ran into my leg and bit at them (don’t worry, they couldn’t really bite me), fed a Paccu, cared for frogs of all kind, helped feed and clean for Komodo dragons, cleaned the elephant yard, taught thousands of guests and kids about our zoo animals and wildlife conservation.

I worked a summer at a random and remote wildlife refuge in Minnesota. Every day that refuge held treasures: deer, owls, snapping turtles, bear. I taught children and loved it. I did field work and did not love it. Got ticks on me and horseflies, got stuck in the mud in our truck, woke up at 3 AM for work sometimes.

I worked shortly at the Denver Zoo with their teen program. I took on more responsibilities, creating events, but mostly, caring for the well being of the teen volunteers.

I thrived and loved Arizona Humane Society. Working with education animals, animal ambassadors that taught the programs for us through laughter and love. Stories told of how to care for them. I visited so many Title I schools, filled with children who had never seen a rabbit, snake, or ferret. I scrubbed poop off of hamster wheels (courtesy of our hedgehogs), hung out and adored our Chinese Water Dragon. Drove a giant RV type vehicle, learned to not judge anyone for their circumstances and was affirmed and valued for all the good work I did.

I veered off course at one point, never losing love for animals but spending 7 years away from them. When I returned, I found myself in Montana, learning about indigenous wisdom and the wonderful practices of being a forever naturalist. Trees, water, rocks became friends too. Managing people became part of my job.

I learned to never stop staying open to the wonders of life. I befriended nature in Montana, every season, sunrise, cold morning. Every juniper cone, spider web, caterpillar. Every dragonfly nymph and leech. I was changed, and I shared my knowledge with excitement, not privilege. I always knew there would be more to learn.

Now I’m back with animal ambassadors, while managing people, learning to be a Texas naturalist, hoping to reignite my conservation heart. I continue to look for those precious and often overlooked details at our sanctuary. I never tire of seeing the deer or looking for birds. I do my best to support the staff, with a huge passion for smooth operations, quality programs, bringing joy to children, keeping our animals safe and valued, and enjoying the job through our different styles and personalities.

I’m learning to lead. It’s hard.

I’m remembering my roots all the way back to my zoo days. I’m reminded I’ve been given such a wealth of rich experiences from so many people and animals and places that taught me.

Most importantly, I CARE WITH ALL of myself for this work, the staff, our natural world, the animals, and those we teach and inspire.

I’m simply following the lead of my ultimate hero, Steve Irwin, who may have been the most enthusiastically caring conservationist. Not just for the animals, but for the people too.

No matter how hard it got, he never stopped caring and sharing.

I hope I can continue that legacy at the Heard and beyond.