(C)hange is for the Birds

When I first started volunteering in the North America area of the Oregon Zoo, part of my routine included some work with our herps. "Herp" is a vernacular term derived from "herpetile", meaning reptiles and amphibians. Like this guy:

Newt. Cute!

A few months ago, the care of our herps was redirected to a specific Herp Keeper. So, while I didn't do much more than change out their water and spritz the plants in their exhibit (oh, and count them to make sure everyone was still there), now I only wave at them as I walk by them.

This morning I was told that the birds in our collection are going the way of the herps. That is, they will remain on exhibit in North America, but a Bird Keeper will now be solely responsible for their care. So, all that pervasive duck poop that I mentioned in my last post? Not going to be my problem anymore.

It's a little sad. The ducks all have personalities and I'm going to miss interacting with them. It's fun to give them their worms and feel like the most popular person on zoo grounds when doing so. And it really is awe-inspiring stepping into the bald eagle exhibit, despite the fact that they avoid us at all costs.

Jack, our male bald eagle. He only has one eye, which he is using to make sure
I give credit for this awesome photo from the Oregon Zoo website.

But, as they say, change is the one constant. The zoo is certainly not immune to this law of life. When the keepers I work with broke the news to me this morning, they were concerned that I wouldn't want to keep volunteering as my routine would change. But I am the rare bird that loves change, thrives with transition, and resents routine. So I'm excited to see what this means for me! It may mean that I get to work with animals I've spent minimal time with so far, or do more in-depth work (training, enrichment) with the animals that are currently part of my routine.

Today, for example, I helped train our river otters for injections. On the inside of their enclosure, a large PVC pipe has been cut in half lengthwise and attached with the open side facing the keepers. The goal is to get the otters to crawl inside willingly, which they do for food, and remain in place while receiving an injection. Training the animals to accept treatment willingly is an important part of their care, greatly reducing the stress they might otherwise feel if confined against their will. So, I lured the otters with food, and the keeper practiced poking them with a dull syringe, desensitizing them to the sensation.

We'll see what the next few weeks of transition look like. And, hopefully, I'll see my list of skills and qualifications grow!