San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Bird Show Intern
At the Safari Park, I gained hands-on experience caring for and training a wide variety of avian species, including raptors, parrots, and other ambassador birds. My responsibilities included preparing specialized diets, providing behavioral enrichment, maintaining habitats, and supporting positive-reinforcement training sessions.
I learned the importance of quality animal care, especially how closely the team monitored diet portions depending on whether birds were flying in shows or resting, since weight directly affects flight ability. I also observed how welfare was prioritized through regular evaluations and meticulous recordkeeping.
Enrichment was another key area of growth. I learned about different types—auditory, manipulative, tactile, and olfactory—and the importance of rotating them to keep animals mentally stimulated. Collaborating with the team sparked my own creativity, and one of my favorite projects was designing a “mini oasis” for the Scarlet ibis by adding a pool with a floating puzzle that held mealworm treats in their sandbox.
The internship also exposed me to common health concerns in avian care. For example, I learned about the treatment of bumblefoot in a crowned crane and the importance of providing appropriate, dry perching for bird health—knowledge I now apply to the care of my own birds and in professional settings.
Beyond animal care, this experience deepened my appreciation for the role of storytelling in conservation. Shows that highlight natural behaviors—like free-flight demonstrations or the secretary bird’s dramatic snake-stomping—captivated guests and left lasting impressions. I witnessed firsthand how these programs inspire empathy, connection, and conservation action.
This internship strengthened my animal husbandry and training skills, expanded my enrichment toolkit, and built my confidence in conservation communication. It reinforced my passion for blending science, welfare, and storytelling to engage people with wildlife in meaningful ways.