A little bit about me:
I currently work as a zookeeper at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL. It's been a long journey to where I am today, but it's been nothing but rewarding... Here's a recap: In 2013, I entered into my first zookeeping internship position at Brookfield Zoo. I was insanely excited because I just knew animal care was the field for me. By the time the summer had wrapped up, my career path was set in stone. In Summer 2014, I was fortunate enough to be hired into my very first paid keeper position, something that doesn't happen to many of us with just one internship under our belt. I found my passion for butterflies and networked with keepers throughout Brookfield Zoo. Immediately after, I left the United States to chase my dreams in Australia. I completed a keeper internship at the Cairns Tropical Zoo while I immersed myself in another culture, found my independence, and created friendships I will never forget. This was the start of my love for travel, and the reason this blog exists in the first place. I came back in December of 2014 (begrudgingly...) and life slowed down. I took some classes online and worked to save my money to return to school for my final year at EKU. I worked seasonally at Brookfield Zoo again, this time in the department that started it all (the Play Zoo). On my return to EKU, I began to volunteer at the Primate Rescue Center with second-chance monkeys and chimps. I learned all about the importance of reputable sanctuaries and continue to educate others on primates. As my time at EKU wrapped up in 2016, I went to Florida to participate in a field research class on lemurs, and traveled to the Bahamas for a class on dolphins. Both experiences taught me how we go about studying animal behavior and conservation. Then, for the second summer in a row, I was working seasonally at Brookfield Zoo when my position was getting ready to finish up for the year. In the past, it hadn't mattered because I was returning to school. This time, though, I was feeling the pressure of getting my first "big girl job." I was in panic mode, but after a lot of stress, cursing, and praying, I found my dream job at Cosley Zoo. There I work diligently to care for North American wildlife and domestic animals, training and enriching them daily, and educating the public on the importance of zoos. My coworkers are incredible and together, we are a great team and make a difference. And for that, I am so thankful. It makes all of my hard work and stress worth it. Since then, I've started graduate school with Miami University's Project Dragonfly, with which I'm fortunate enough to travel internationally each summer. Looking back, and looking forward, I see how lucky I am. Follow me on my journey, and my struggles, to make the world a better place. "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." -Susan Sontag Xoxo, Veronica |