ACHIEVING MY CHILDHOOD DREAMS BY WORKING WITH ANIMALS
Taylor Henselen
Hometown: Cedar City, UT
Major: Biology
Leadership Engagement Track
I was an animal care intern for Dr. Heyborne, a professor from the biology department. I have always had a love for all kinds of animals. When I came to SUU, I wanted to become more involved with the community on campus. I was casually scrolling through Instagram one night and came across a photo with Dr. Heyborne and a couple of students that were holding a tegu and a boa constrictor. His club, Animal Ambassadors, was looking for new members. I jumped right on the opportunity and got into the club.
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For club training, I was taught how to handle and present the exotic creatures that were used. Over time, I became very attached to the animals. They were fascinating. Most of the animals were from South America or Africa. Presentations simply were not enough to satisfy my hunger for knowledge. I wanted to do more than just present. I wanted to know as much as I could. Eventually I met my best friend who also happened to be the animal care taker. Sadly, she was graduating, but from that I was able to fill her position as caretaker thanks to my experience in the club. I was trained by Dr. Heyborne and ended up making my position a paid internship.
INSPIRATION
Growing up, I always had a thing for animals. There was never a time when I didn't have at least one pet during my childhood. I was the girl who liked to play with lizards instead of dolls.
When I graduated from Cedar High School, I knew I wanted to come to Southern Utah University because it was close by and I was aware of its unique atmosphere and opportunities. As I started diving into biology courses, specifically herpetology, I grew more fascinated with those kinds of animals. With the combination of field trips and in-class knowledge, I found my desire to work with them as a career. Dr. Heyborne happened to my professor of herpetology and founder of Animal Ambassadors. All the reptiles used in the program were his. I wanted a chance to get to know his collection up close and so with his help and generosity, I made my EDGE project.
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CHALLENGES
The work can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Cages are set up on multiple levels. I actually had to get a step ladder to be able to reach all of the animals. As a woman of 5"3 stature, I found myself doing this often. I would fill a pitcher full of water and carry it up and down the ladder and sometimes spilled it on the floor and/or myself.
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All life eventually comes to an end. I was hard on myself sometimes when some of the animals passed on. I knew I didn't do anything wrong, but being their caretaker, it was easy to forget that animals, like us, simply do not live forever. During my time working with them, I became very attached. Having that kind of relationship made it hard to see them be alive and well one day then come in and find them dead.
BENEFITS
For Myself and Others
My project benefited others by providing a valid education regarding reptiles and amphibians. I taught crowds ranging from preschool to adults about the importance of these creatures. I found that many of them were unaware that these kinds of animals existed. A specific benefit to them when I was able to have the animals interact with them. Snakes were a common animal, one that many are afraid of. I was able to help ease their fears through animal interactions and through presenting.
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The benefits of my project to myself is practical experience in working with exotic animals. I learned proper husbandry and improved my public speaking skills. Challenges that I faced while doing my project have helped me become stronger, both mentally and physically. One I also met some great friends along the way and got to know my professor on a personal level. Knowing my professor on a personal level has also helped with networking.
