My favorite? Pandas!

So if you don't know, my FAVORITE animal is a panda. They are ADORABLE! These endangered animals can only be found at four zoos in the United States - San Diego Zoo, Atlanta Zoo, Memphis Zoo and National Zoo. I can't wait to visit these zoos! All pandas here in the US are on loan from China for specific research programs. Pandas are threatened of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching and poor breeding abilities. A dream come true would be to visit Chengdu Panda Research Facility, the Bifengxia Panda Reserve, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center,and of course the Beijing Zoo in China. 

First Stop...Houston Zoo

Greetings everyone! I have been on a mini hiatus, only because I'm trying to get my ducks lined up in a row...and stay there! The first stop on my zoo journey has to be the Houston Zoo. I have been there numerous of times, but this time it will be different; there is ALWAYS something new to learn and brand new openings. (Plus it is a good starting point) I like to think that everyone has been to there "home zoo", if not, what are you waiting for?!? The zoo is an oasis in amidst chaos. P.s. Hopefully I get to see this cutie below, her name is Aurora and she is the newest addition to the Orangutan family at the zoo 

Happy Friday!

You made it to the end of the week! Congrats....although, we should treat each day like it's Friday. No discriminating!(poor Monday) I wonder what you are going to do this weekend? You know what I'll suggest for you to do, head to the ZOO! (you saw that coming right?) Might be a little crowded but if you get there early, the animals will be up being very active before the heat sets in. If you happen to be in Houston, check out the Houston Zoo's upcoming event,  "Get Out and Play"  on Sept. 17 or if you happen to be looking for a quick weekend trip check out Chimp Haven. I personally can't wait to visit these locations! Have a wonderful weekend!

So...why are you doing this?

A question I have received from others, but something I ask myself too. What is my purpose of traveling to EVERY zoo in the US? What is the benefit? I have many passions in life, and animals are definitely one of them. How they communicate within their own kind is fascinating. It also amazes me, the things humans do, and what animals do are extremely similar. Something I'm sure people have said and you might have been guilty of saying...or thinking is, "They look so sad...why do they keep them LOCKED UP in cages? Why are they taking the animals from their natural habitat if they are suppose to be helping them?"
I then realize people aren't fully aware of the purpose of zoos. The purpose of most zoos, is to benefit the animals. Zoos acquire most of their animals because the lack of their natural habitats, they might be sick/injured, they are rescued from an illegal pet trade or sometimes they happen to be someone's pet. Zoos are beneficial to us because they educate us on the animals, their habitats, how we can preserve them and protect them. Personally, zoos bring a sense of peace and amazement to my life. To peek into the world of an animal that I would have never seen in the wild is rewarding and encourages me to do all I can to preserve them so the momentous feeling I have, my friends and family can also experience.

Camp Zoofari

This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the Houston Zoo within the education department at Camp Zoofari. This was a stepping stone(one of many) to my "dream job" of becoming a President & CEO of a zoological facility. The zoo is the ultimate office, something new everyday! When I would get their early, I would take a morning walk to see how active the animals were. Lets just say, seeing the lions play with each other and the chimps running their exhibit was priceless. This past summer was hands down one of my most memorable. I figured I should take my love on the road. My goal is to visit ALL the zoos in the US...yes I said all (crazy right?!). I figured I would start small and see where I go...follow my blog and follow me on my journey. It'll be a fun ride...who knows what else I might post on here. :-)