What new appreciations (for who? of what?) have you gained through internship that you did not have before?
Throughout my internship I've come to appreciate many things, one of these being the Gorillas. In the beginning, I felt that my internship would just be recording data from Gorillas, but over time, I came to understand the animals on a deeper level. They aren't just animals. They have a personality, and once I told my mentor that it seems they have more dignity than some of the "Zoobies" (Locals who come everyday). These Zoobies treat the Gorillas as if they were domesticated animals. I've come to realize that these animals are wild and smart animals. They care for their babies as we care for our own. They have strong relations with everyone in their troop. They have behavioral patterns that are very predictable, but very natural as well. They are in their own world, and they are not circus animals.
Another thing that I've come to appreciate is the people I work with. My mentor, Greg, is a really nice guy. He gives me the freedom and trust to record the Gorillas without supervision. He also respects me as a person, which I find a likable trait. The Gorilla Zookeepers are nice too. I only know Nate and Fernando, but both are friendly.
One last thing that I appreciate now is working at the Zoo. At lunch, Alana, Oscar, and I take the Skyfari back and forth. We see animals every day, and get to interact with them. On the roof, where I work, I see peacocks come up in random places every day. It's just nice being so close to wild animals every day.
How did you develop these appreciations?
There's no definite answer for the growth of my appreciations. It has just progressed. It has become natural that I am happy at my Zoo internship. I've understood people and relationships better, which lead me to these appreciations.
