Want to Intern at the Toronto Zoo? a Cory Kozmik Review
My name is Cory and I am an intern at the Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Programme. My experience here has been like nothing I have ever previously experienced in the work field. From a young age I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small, so working here was one of the most gratifying and greatest experiences of my life. I am a Biology student at Trent University and I have always had a keen interest in reptiles and amphibians, so when I was given the opportunity to take this internship, I was ecstatic. I think it’s safe to say that most kids or even adults could admit that working at the zoo with the animals would be the best job ever, but the fact of the matter is… THEY WERE RIGHT!! I never thought I would find a job that I was so excited to get up for every morning and look forward to everything that day would have to offer. I have never in my life experienced such a wonderful work environment, as the people that I am around every day are some of the most interesting, intelligent, friendly and fun people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and work with. For that I am thankful.
I can’t begin to describe the amount of fun I have had during my time spent with Adopt-A-Pond. I have been able to experience so many aspects of research and conservation that really gave me a deeper perspective of what it’s all about. From conducting research in the field on numerous species at risk, to caring for actual animals in their head start programs, I have really been able to apply my knowledge and experience and learn at a rapid pace. I love to learn and here I feel like I am constantly gaining new knowledge and skills, which to me are something that I find invaluable. During my time spent here, I’ve camped out, while studying the nesting behaviours of the Blanding’s turtle, tracked existing turtles the Rouge River area and installed new radio tracking devices on threatened turtle species that were released into the Rouge after two years of development (a day so important, it was in the news!). I have researched and written reports on the efficacy of turtle crossing signs, collected data on Eastern Milk snake hibernaculum, cared for young turtles of numerous species and have been part of something bigger, which is working to conserve the integrity of these species for our future generations. To me I can’t begin to describe how much of an honour this has been to be a part of. I feel like I have been able to apply my skills and knowledge and really be a part of what this team is all about. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience here, so I will most definitely be hoping to re-join this organization in the future, alongside other conservation efforts, as this has been both inspiration and motivation for my future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Cory Kozmik
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