Talk about Tigers

The first animal consevation class was a basic overview of animals in general, including classification and characteristics of groups of animals. We touched on the idea of conservation, which many of the kids didn't know much about. We discussed what it meant for a species to be engandered or extinct, and we talked about what types of issues promote threats to animals. Such issues include habitat destruction, illness, and poaching, to name a few as an overview. In anitcipation for the next class, we breafly touched on the the effects of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia which are putting threats on the populations of animals such as sun bears and orangutans that are living there.

In general, I've found it helpful to interact with the kids as much as possible while teaching the class. I do believe that the best way to learn is by discussion and interaction. During the classes, we find a nice place on the grass, sit in a circle together, and discuss whatever we are talking about on a given day. Sometimes I start out by having the kids look at the handouts and asking them if they've ever seen these animals before and, if so, where did the see them. This is something that gets them involved and excited for the class. I also generally teach by asking questions about the animals, and I will admit, I have learned things about the animals that I did not previously know. And of course, to sooth their restless feet, we always play some form of running game at the end of the class.

For the second animal conservation class, we discussed a broad category of things which included tigers, sun bears, and primates. As for tigers and sun bears, we discussed their range (and how to read a range map), special adaptations they have, and their conservation status, which for both species is endangered. One thing that amazed the kids was the tiger's range map. I included in the handout a map that shows both the historic range and the present range. As you can see in the map to the right, the range has significantly decreased. This is due to several factors which include poaching and habitat destruction. In addition, tiger body parts are used in some parts of Asia for medicinal purposes, but one of the main problem causing the endangerement of tigers is keeping them in captivity. I don't only mean zoos, as many zoos actually rescue tigers from harmful environments in captivity. What I mean is, there are more tigers in captivity (not including zoos) than there are living in the wild. These tigers often live in peoples homes as pets, in cement cages, as viewing attractions, as well as in other harmful environments. Tigers, wild animals, are not meant to live in captivity, especially in the harsh conditions which many are in. Though it is illegal in many states, often the laws just aren't enforced, and people always find ways to get around them. Many laws are put in place protecting pure bread Siberian Tigers, or pure bread Bengal Tigers, but what about the mixes? In many places it is legal to have a tiger in your home as a pet, just as long as it is not a pure Siberian or Bengal Tiger. It is important that we recognize the severity of this situation before we are able to do anything about it.  

Getting Started

As a 17-year-old Girl Scout Ambassador, I am working on my Girl Scout Gold Award project. Inspired by my volunteer work with the Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guide program, and my passion for animals, I decided to base my Gold Award project on animal conservation. After a little brainstorming, an idea came to mind that would allow me to use my Gold Award project to educate and inspire a younger generation to take action on the topic of animal conservation. I have been a homeschooler since I got out of preschool and in that time I have become closely acquainted with the Alameda Oakland Home Learners (AOHL) group. The idea for my project was to teach a class about animals and the importance of conservation to a younger group of kids in the group. The idea fit well with my personality, as I am knowledgeable and passionate about the topic of animal conservation. My first class was held on March 22nd and was a discussion on animal classification in general, as well as an overview of the meaning and importance of conservation.

What many people don't realize is how much impact we, as human beings, have on the natural world. Take deforestation for example. There is a net destruction of 40 million acres of forest annually, and this number is predicted to increase by more than 50% by 2050. This is an unfathomable amount of wildlife that is being displaced, if not destroyed, each year. The problem of deforestation is one of the main causes of habitat destruction resulting in major endangerment of the many species of animals living in these areas. It is our duty, as humans, to undo what we have done and to stop what we are doing in order to protect the wildlife that shares our planet.

This is a picture of a young mountain gorilla that I took while visiting Africa in the summer of 2011. This species of gorilla lives only in three countries of Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is specifically adapted to live only in mountain ranges, and therefore lives exclusively in the Virunga Mountains of East Africa. This species is extremely endangered due to habitat loss poaching, and illness. There are fewer than 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild. The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is an organization that gives veterinary care to these wild gorillas and is striving to increase the dying population. Here is a link to their blog if you'd like to check it out: http://www.gorilladoctorsblog.org/?utm_source=March+2012&utm_campaign=March+NL+11&utm_medium=email

My Inspiration

On a Saturday in October I attended the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Expo in San Francisco. As a volunteer and Roots & Shoots group member with the Oakland Zoo I was able to go for free along with several other volunteers in the same program. At this inspiring annual conference, many incredible speakers have the opportunity to give presentations on their wonderful conservation projects taking place all over the world. The first year I attended the expo I was deeply moved by the hard work and dedication put into so many projects in so many continents. I remember listening to the presentation of the Niassa Lion Project at the 2010 conference, and being incredibly touched by the speaker’s passion for her work. She spoke about her actions and the animals she was helping with such affection. I remember that day I felt certain that I wanted to work with animals throughout my life, but also work to preserve endangered species and spread awareness of the importance of saving these animals. That day I did not make a decision, but I had a realization. I realized what my passion was and I realized what was important to me. I realized that I must do something to preserve these beautiful creatures and the environments in which they live.

This year at WCN, the well known and wonderful Jane Goodall was the keynote speaker. It was amazing how she captured the entire room in her speech. She intrigued and inspired every member of the audience with her wise words. It was an incredible experience and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to see her speak.

Later in the day I stood in line with my fellow zoo volunteers for Jane’s book signing. When we got up to the front she signed all of our books, returned them to us, and took a picture with us, and only then did she turn to address us. She said “Thank you for all you are doing, and keep it up. And get the old people involved!”

I certainly do plan to continue and expand what I do with and beyond the zoo. Hopefully I will be able to get “the old people” involved, but I also hope to get younger people involved too, and spread the passion I have for animals to generations to come.