Passion by Krystal

Passion by Krystal - October 2013 Scholarship Essay

I am a Zoological Society Conservation Teen Scientist Volunteer at Zoo Miami. Between those eight Saturdays of intensive training and the broiling sun beating down at my face as I walked and spoke from exhibit to exhibit, I sprouted a passion. As a Conservation Teen Scientist my duty is to educate the public about the conservation of the animals, their ecological value to the balance of nature, ways to help protect them and biodiversity. Learning about these animals has inspired me not only to change who I was, but to change others.
When I first started two and a half years ago I never would have known this zoo, a place many people take for granted, would impact my life in such an exceptional way. When I walk through those doors, (yes, the smell is strong but you do eventually get used to it) one of the first exhibits seen is The Malayan Tiger. Her name is Tevy, she is 10 years old, and she came from Wisconsin Zoo.
Tevy, similar to several big cats, sleeps an average of 18-21 hours a day, but when I am lucky and I do get to see her active, she is truthfully a stunning view. Tevy is my favorite animal at the Zoo, and I absolutely fell in love with her. Just like every human has their fingerprints and characteristics to identify themselves, tigers have their stripes. Sometimes, the Zoo Keepers would take me behind the scenes to witness the majestic Tevy up close, and I noticed that her stripes have dots by them. I asked Ivy the Keeper why she had dots by her stripes, and I still remember what she said, “they resemble birthmarks, just like us humans, and little did you know we are closer to them then when think.”
The first time Ivy took me behind the scenes, my perspective on what I was doing completely changed. When I looked into Tevy’s eyes and saw the warm vivid yellow glare requesting for a chance, it sincerely hit me; there are only 400 left of these beautiful animals, and I must do everything I can to protect them. That day was the most impactful moment of my life. I felt the need to become the voice for the animals and that’s when the seeds of my passion began to grow.
I have been a Conservation Teen Scientist for two and a half years now. I’ve learned the meaning of the true bigger picture about animal conservation and not only have I changed my habits on contributing to the endangerment of animals and the environment but I have changed others and that’s an honor. When I stand in front of the exhibits and speak with passion and knowledge people are intrigued; they want to listen to what I have to say and want to make a difference. Comments like, “Wow I never knew that,” and “What can I to help?” really make an incomparable place in my heart. I look back at Tevy and all the other animals I’ll be saving and I feel like I didn’t let them down. That is why I am so proud of what I do, and how it’s inspired me to be a better Conservation Teen Scientist and be the change I wish to see in this world. Furthermore, just because they don't have a voice… doesn't mean they don’t need to be heard.