The Big Bear Valley American
Association of University Women (AAUW) has selected two Big Bear High School students,
Melissa Ellis and Kelly Mount, to participate in the first-ever STEM program,
“The Zoo Experience,” to take place at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
“The Zoo Experience” is a one-week, internship-style day camp to be held July 16th – 20th at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which coincides with National Zookeepers Week. Ellis and Mount will have the opportunity to work with zookeepers, learn animal science, as well as journalism and photography for a daily blog, during their camp.
“The Zoo Experience” is a one-week, internship-style day camp to be held July 16th – 20th at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which coincides with National Zookeepers Week. Ellis and Mount will have the opportunity to work with zookeepers, learn animal science, as well as journalism and photography for a daily blog, during their camp.
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| Melissa Ellis |
“Ever since I was
very little, I’ve always loved being around animals, and have wanted to do
something to help them,” said Melissa Ellis, in her admissions essay. “Animals
have always been a huge part of my everyday life. I’ve been fascinated by all
different kinds of animals even some that are more uncommon such as rodents and
insects. My family has helped encourage my love of animals, even at birth, by
getting me a baby African Spurred Tortoise right around the time I was born.”
 |
| Kelly Mount |
“The animal
experience that has had the most impact on me was seeing the new habitats
created at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo,” shared Kelly Mount, in her admissions
essay. “Before Cyrus (the snowy owl) only had a small igloo that he spent most
of his time in. Now it looks like they took Cyrus and his natural habitat and
put it on display. He now has branches to climb on, a log to sit on or in, and
it is incredibly better than it was before.”
“The Zoo Experience”
program seeks to break through barriers for women and girls in science,
technology, engineering, and math, while exposing them to careers in the field
of zoological sciences. Currently, women account for only a minority of
managerial positions in zoos. AAUW is dedicated to inspiring women to become
leaders and opening their minds to STEM fields that they may have not
considered as viable careers.
The community is
invited to “tag along” by checking out Ellis and Mount’s daily blog posts about
their experience July 16-20, after 6 pm each day.
The public is also
invited to the Culmination Event on Friday, July 20th, from 3 to 4
pm at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Zoo admission is required, so come early, or
stay late to enjoy the Zoo as well.
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