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Guess what I forgot on my first day? My badge.

I arrived ten minutes before 9, and realized something was missing. I scrambled through my bag, wallet, pockets, and found  that I had left my badge on my bedside table. Quickly, I left my car and walked to the Otto Center (Human Resources) to see if they might replace it. They couldn't because it would take another set of paper work that my mentor would have to sign. I decided to call my mentor and wait for him at the entrance, where he could pick me up. On the way back to the zoo, I saw Alana and Oscar, and met Alana's mentor. I called Greg (my mentor) and he picked me up about 15 minutes later. We went through the zoo, to the Gorillas, and went up to the rooftop (employee access only). This is where I could quietly record their actions. We went through the sheets I will be working with, and Greg taught me how to identify each Gorilla from both troops.

He also explained to me that I would only record the Gorillas for about an hour and a half each day. As for the other time, I could do whatever I would like (either go to meetings with him or take photos). After I took notes on the Gorillas, we then went to a meeting with a Nutritionist (one who supplies a well balanced diet for most of the animals). On the walk, I met Greg's boss, and she introduced me to a Serval (a big cat.)

This is a Serval:

I was able to pet it, and she told me how they train animals, and what their limits are. They don't want to domesticate the animals, but instead they want to inform the public of conservation.

After this, we then went to the Nutritionists' office. I met two, and they told me their process of distinguishing whether a not an animal is healthy. They also told me that whenever an animal is sedated in a hospital, nutritionists are always called in. While they told me about this, one named Clinton said "I'm going to go get him." I didn't think much of this until he came out with a Tumandia ant eater in his arms. I thought it was the cutest thing, and I could not believe that I was petting it.

This is a Tumandia:

Clinton then took me over to meet a few other animals. He introduced me to the Pengolin:

He also introduced me to one of the rarest animals in the world. It was not on exhibit, and it's 1 out of 2 in captivity. It also is in it's own class. A Fossa:

And last but not least, I was able to pet this animal too. An Ocelot:

All of these animals were amazing to see up close. My favorite was the Tumandia, because he was adorable.

After this, we went back to Greg's office where I remained for about 2 hours, taking notes, until I went home.

This has been a great day, and according to my mentor, if I want to see any thing I can just ask!