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.