The Moorpark College Teaching Zoo added seven new animals like snakes, a hedgehog, and a couple of birds to help student zookeepers learning objectives.
Animals are chosen simply to benefit the students and the program itself. A opossum, hedgehog, orange-winged Amazon Parrot, Malaccan cockatoo, serval, red-tailed boa and rainbow boa were all added this semester.
Some of the more common animals were previously pets whose owners were looking for a permanent home. Larger, exotic animals are acquired from other facilities when they can no longer care for their animals. The staff meets as a group and discusses what animals the students need to further their education.
EATM faculty member Kris Romero, who specializes in performance and production, described the process of obtaining new animals at the Zoo.
“We get new animals based on what the student learning objectives are in each EATM class,” said Romero. “We get new animals when our population decreases due to natural deaths.”
The Teaching Zoo also holds performances and a show with the animals for the public’s viewing pleasure.
“With proper positive training methods, the stage and shows become a very fun and rewarding experience for the animal,” said Romero. “Some animals will never do shows though. If they are not comfortable in front of groups we would never make it go to the stage.”
Animals at EATM are available to be sponsored by anyone. The money from the sponsor not only helps the zoo care for the animal, but it benefits the sponsors in different ways as well. The sponsor is allowed to participate in activities with their chosen animal. Sponsors can take their animal on walks, participate in training, and more.
“Our animals are always up for sponsorship,” said Romero.
Kaitlyn Secker, nursing major, said the added animals would make the Zoo even better due to the larger range of animals. The Teaching Zoo in Secker’s opinion is beneficial to the surrounding communities.
“Young kids can go to our Zoo and learn about the importance of animals and nature,” said Secker.
Secker believes that the Teaching Zoo leaves a positive impact on Moorpark College, as well as the economy.
“I think that the zoo is a great addition to our school,” said Secker. “It’s nice to be able to visit a zoo so close to home, and for cheap.”
These new animals, along with many others, are located at The Moorpark Teaching Zoo on the west side of campus. The zoo is open to all visitors and observers every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
For more information about sponsorship or upcoming events, visit Moorpark College’s website http://www.moorparkcollege.edu and click the link for the Teaching Zoo.
Trainer Dena holds Miki, the orange winged amazon parrot. (Courtnie Kokinski)
