 Gina with Ginny, the very sweet Opossum. |
 Sassafrass, a Prehensile- tailed Porcupine. She is friendly and curious. |
 Garrett the Ferret. |
 Kahlo, a shy, four month old La Plata Three- Banded Armadillo. |
 Holding Benji, the 25 year old Kinkajou. |
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I started volunteering at the San Francisco Zoo during February 2002 as a way to get closer to the animals there, and to do what I could to contribute to both the health and welfare of the animals and the success of the zoo. One full day each week I would work at the Koret Animal Resource Center, where I and a few other volunteers would care for the 80-odd animals in the facility. Volunteers take complete care of the animals - we feed them, clean up after them, socialize and exercise them. All animals in this facililty are used for education. Some go out on the Zoomobile to schools and other groups so people can learn about wildlife, up close and personal. Many of the animals are used for programs and encounters at the zoo itself. (A few elderly critters are retired and are living out their last days in peace and comfort.) Many of the student volunteers work internships at the Center on their way to zoology or veterinary careers, so it really does fill an important niche. I love animals, and I get a big thrill out of working with exotic animals, so being able to spend time with so many furry, scaly, feathered beasts is like inviting a kid into a candy store. Volunteering at the zoo has given me the chance to play with an alligator, giraffes, porcupines, rhinos, hawks, a wallaby, and more, and that experience is priceless. |
 Luke the Giraffe daintily takes a banana from my mouth. |  A Rainbow Lorikeet perched on my shoulder. |
 The intense gaze of Kyra the Peregrine Falcon. |  Toulouse, a Turkey Vulture. |
 Flying Apollo, the Harris' Hawk. |
 Dillon, a Bald Eagle. |
 A Golden Eagle, Nokomis. Some idiot shot out her other eye. |
 King Richard, the 40 year old Great Horned Owl. |
