Vale of Cashmere-Prospect Park

The Vale of Cashmere located along south Prospect Park used to look just like how it is in the picture. The breath-taking scenery with a grand fountain would bring joy to anyone. What was once and flowing pond filled with exotic fish and turtles down suffer under overgrown weeds. As we took a deeper look on the heritage of this area we were very surprised to find out that this area began to form 17,000 years ago when  the Wisconsin glacier began to melt creating an 60 foot slope. Park designers Olmsted and Vaux began to modernized this area by putting the rose garden with giant pool  of water filled with aquatic plants and little boats for children to play on. After being takenover by the Prospect Park Alliance, construction in this area began to disappear with the creation of playgrounds, Wollman's rink and the Prospect Park Zoo. Prospect Park eventually turned off all the water flowing to this area and maintenance was decreased. This led to an unkempt brush of twigs, weeds, grass and garbage. 

Up Close & Personal : Peacock Edition

What A Breath-Taking View

While exploring the breath-taking wonders of Prospect Park Zoo, I came across a group of beautiful and exotic peacocks, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL! You would think to yourself  "How in the world could you be close to any animal let alone a peacock considering how fast they can run and how high they can jump.  Is that safe at any element?. Welp, read it and weep peacocks are what's in this summer season. These peacocks were literally walking around Prospect Park Zoo, as though they are actual humans and have not a care in the world. At times the 4 peacocks are seen spread out across the zoo, some in other animal's habitats and others walking around and circling the sea lion pool. What makes a peacock so breath-taking is the beautiful array of colors on their feathers.
                                           -Erin Saunders-

Bridging the Gap

I've been a Bridging the Gap intern for a year now.  I've been having a blast, I learned so much about what working in a zoo is like.  For me being a Bridging the Gap intern is a special opportunity because we learn all the positions in the zoo.  From the zoo keeper to the social media team it takes a lot of work.  It has helped me figure out what my interests are by knowing what a zoo keeper does.  The keeper works one on one with their animal, being there for the animal 24 hours everyday of the week its a lot of responsibility.  I also found out how I like social media for the zoo. I got interested in social media because it is ever so growing.  Currently I contributed to the Bridging the Gap instagram, taking pictures and posting them for an audience all over the world to see.  That's why social media was interesting to me.

BTG Interview with Mario Giampieri

Today as  I entered the translucent building that hides within the Bronx Zoo, I met Mario Giampieri. Mario is a GIS analyst of the Welikia Project founded by his very own professor/mentor Eric W. Sanderson. I was lucky enough to have him clear out his schedule for an interview considering how busy his days can be. The creators of the Welikia project (welikia.org)created a software, called Mannahatta2409 , which is characterized by pre-colonial Manhattan. It gives you the power to reconstruct the ecosystem and biodiversity of Manhattan island according to current, past and theoretical maps of the future. The options range from 400years prior to the program launching, 1609 when the Europeans came upon Mannahatta (as it was called then), to 400 yrs after (which as he explained is where 2409 comes from).
Mario gave me great advice on college preparations. He told me that as he started NYU he was pursuing another major for about 2 and half years until he realized that it wasn't for him. So he switched to Environmentalism with a focus on urban planning social injustice.
As I was speaking to Mario he gave me kind of a feel of his work environment. He told me he has other co-workers who also help with their website https://mannahatta2409.org/ . As they are working they are mostly divided by boroughs and different places outside the country. Even though they all research different fields, they share their findings with one another. Also he explained that they receive several projects at a time, so each day there is plenty to do. He explained the worst part of the day is being the administrator, as in replying to emails or other forms of paperwork.
Like I have successfully failed, Mario is also learning how to code and create his own website. He also recommended I use Edx.com where he finds it much simpler to understand due to the well-made video tutorials.
Now that I have spoken to Mario Giampieri, I have a more of a realistic view on what to expect when I take my SAT's and ACT's. He described his experience taking his first SAT's as not being in the state of mind needed to focus, so he simply took it again and assured me that there is always a second chance.

Map of 1782 found in "Mannahatta" by Eric W. Sanderson

Mario Giampieri

 

Our Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap is a program that helps high school students pursuit their interest in careers related to zoology, marine science, ecology or even biology. Students are selected in 3 cohorts of 50 students each, and can participate at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium. If a student were to get selected he/she are to commit to all 4 phases of the programs. Phase 1 is completing 11 sessions conducting animal behavior, zoo designing and meeting the staff. Phase 2 is mentoring the students on college and job preparations. Phase 3 is basically boot camp, let the name fool you because its 2days back to back preparing for college interviews, course selections, applications and financial aid. In Phase 4 the students get a hands-on work experience.
I know this sounds like a lot of time or a lot to go through but speaking from experience, I am currently in Phase 4, it's  unlike other students I took two types of internships. My first experience was in toddler camp where I got to see different parenting techniques from different ethnicity and I also got the feel of being somewhat of a teacher by observing/helping the layout of the entire day. My second experience was related to social media and coding. The coding was meant to educate me on creating my own website and the social media is actually what you are reading right now. I can say that once you meet all the amazing people, or see what Bridging the Gap has to offer it's going to be worth it.

--V.V.

A Different Experience

A Day with the Zoo Camp Kids 

What is it like working with the Zoo Camp kids ?

The Zoo Camp kids sure know how to have fun, from snacks to learning about animals, and even trips around the zoo! Today the Zoo Camp kids researched a certain animal and spread around the zoo to teach visitors about those animals. For example, the group I was with today was "The Okapis". They stood near the African Wild Dogs, and taught people about them, I even learned a thing or two from them! 

Later on the Zoo Camp kids headed back to the Congo classroom to make their own little plays. Overall, it was a different, and very fun experience hanging out with the Zoo Camp kids.

Zoo Camp kids teaching people about African Wild Dogs

Post by Jean Michel 

 

 

BTG Interview with Lemuel

BTG Interview 

What is it that you do ?
"Any emergency or malfunction that comes up regarding technology we go and help."

Do you enjoy it ?
"Yes, because I understand the technological aspect of it and plus it's a very chill internship."

What time do you come in and leave ?
"I come in at 9:30am and I leave at 4pm. And there's also like no set time for lunch. Lunch is basically when ever we're not busy."

What do you enjoy the most about this internship ?
"It's usually very chill. It's been fairly easy this week. There was only a couple of really busy days."

What do you enjoy the least ?
"Nothing. I actually really like it."

What were the busy days and why did you do ?
"Monday was busy since it was my first day so I was being showed around. Wednesday was also a very busy day since it was free admission day so there was a lot of malfunctions. We had to fix a touch screen at Congo and I just assisted and watched.

Who are you usually with ?
"On Monday, Tuesday and Friday I was with James and on Wednesday and Thursday I was with Joe. The time that  I was with Joe it was mostly outside because he doesn't like being indoors in the office all day. So we were usually running around all day.

I was also able to ask his mentor, James, a few questions too.

When is it the busiest ?
"Summer weekends since people are usually like on vacations and stuff during the week. Winter weekdays since it's usually freezing outside and people would much rather stay inside. So I have to deal with setting up conference calls and stuff like that. There's also usually no in between. It's either super busy or super slow."

What are other things that you have to take are of ?
"I also have to deal with setting up weddings which is usually pretty hectic. In the years that I've been here there has probably been a wedding every weekend of every year in the months of like August to October."

It was actually really nice to be able to hang out with James and Lemuel for a couple hours and see what it is they actually do. I also got to find out some pretty interesting stuff. Who knew that people actually have their weddings in the Bronx Zoo..

During the interview, they had to go test something. We went to various locations and I was able to witness firsthand what they do.

 

Lemuel testing out a microphone 

--D.P

Long day at the Bronx Zoo

Today, Jean and I went on a crazy adventure. After lunch, Jen decided to make us go on a QR code scavenger hunt. Two hours into the hunt we were still on number 10 and we still had about a handful of other codes to find. When we finally hit number 14, we were so confused about what the clue was even saying so we asked Jen to help us out. She said that it was in Jungle World. Once we got there, we found out that the last couple of QR codes had been taken down. I was sad because we didn't get to finish the challenge but in the end we were able to get on the Bengali Express Monorail. It was actually very beautiful!

We were able to see a lot of animals very up close including a tiger, elephants, and a panda. After our ride on the monorail was done, we were so tired from all the walking that we took a shuttle back to the Education building. It was a very long and tiring day but in the end it was worth it! 

Asian Elephants

Siberian Tiger

Red Panda

-D.P

Theme of the Day: "Horns and Shells" Part 2

SHELLS

Today was a good day to come to the Bronx Zoo. Some might ask why ... because of free admission .. DUH! It was a nice sunny day to spend with the family here at the Bronx Zoo. In the morning, we had the chance to get on Dinosaur Safari.

Poor Mr. Triceratops got mauled by a T-Rex.

 

A dinosaur ... with lips.

 Later on in the day, Jean and I were sent on a hunt for animals that had horns or shells. Some of the animals that we came across included this little guy.

 

Fun Facts: 

•  Turtles have a hard shell that protect them like a shield, this upper shell is called a ‘carapace’.
•  Turtles also have a lower shell called a ‘plastron’.
• A turtle's shell is  made up of 50 different bones attached to their spine.
• Shells have nerves embedded in them and a blood supply as well, so if a turtle's shell is injured, it may bleed and feel pain.
• Many turtle species (not all) can hide their heads inside their shells when attacked by predators.
•  Their scutes (the square like things on top of their shells), sometimes called shields, are overlapping pieces of keratin which is the same substance as human fingernail!  .. Gross but cool! 
• Turtles, unlike snails, cannot trade in their shells for a new one if damaged. 
• Their shells never fall off and are never too large or too small since it grows with the turtle.
• Turtles do shed their scutes to make room for larger ones.
• If the scutes aren't properly shed or they shed too much, then turtles can often develop infection and disease. 

Overall, it was a good day! -D.P

Theme of the Day: "Horns and Shells" Part 1

HORNS

Fun Facts:

1) Horns are a permanent hard outgrow 

2) Most horns consist of a core of bone encased in keratinized skin

3) Proteins can be found surrounding the core bone of the horn in some animals

4) Giraffes do NOT have horns, they are called ossicones, they are covered with furred skin

 5) Most deers and antlers do NOT have true horns due to the fact that they are made of dead bone

6) The "horns" of rhinoceroses are actually completely made of keratin (same substance as fingernails), they do NOT have a bone core

7) The horns of triceratops are considered to be extensions of its skullbones

Gazelle and its horns at the Bronx Zoo

Female Nyala's (only Males have horns)

Horns and spikes everywhere at the Dinosaur Safari

                         Post by Jean Michel

Flamingos at the Bronx Zoo

The Flamingos at the Bronx Zoo are all different!

The American Flamingo, and the Chilean Flamingo are two of the different kinds of Flamingos found at the Bronx Zoo, but do you know the difference between them ?

The American Flamingo

The American Flamingo has a deep pink plumage, unlike other species of Flamingos. They can also be identified by their pink legs, and orange-yellow eyes. 

            

 American Flamingos

Close up of a single American Flamingo

 

  The Chilean Flamingo

  Unlike the American Flamingo, the Chilean Flamingo has a lighter pink plumage. They also have grey legs with pink leg-joints, which look like knee pads. In addition, their eyes are a pale yellow color.

Group of Chilean Flamingos

Group of Chilean Flamingos from a distance

  

                                                     

 

A Day At the Health Center

I'm not the only lucky intern at the New York Aquarium this week, while I've been handling the social media aspect of things around here, Angel's been busy busy busy in the health center. Fortunately, she was able to answer a few questions so I can have a better understanding as to what her responsibilities are. Here's what she said.

Q: What kind of activities have you been up to? What's the agenda around? Is there's an agenda?
A: In the lab the agenda is to test the tank water and make sure it isn't toxic with nitrite, ammonia or dissolved oxygen.

Q: Have you enjoyed this internship?
A: Yes, I have. I learned so much in just the first day.

Q: Has the internship influenced you to study marine biology? Or science?
A: Oh yeah! I've always wanted to study marine biology since I became connected to the NY Aquarium.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone looking to be in your position?
A: Take any opportunity you get, not just for the money, but because you love it.

Q: Would you say this was a much needed work experience? Have you pulled anything from this?
A: Yes, I have expanded my knowledge on marine biology. Having this knowledge will show my future professors and scientists that I know what I'm doing.

Q: Would you want to do this again? Possibly for life?
A: If marine biology doesn't work out, then yes. I'd like to come back and work at the health center.

Dissolved oxygen testing in the lab.

Angel hard at work behind the scenes, testing
the waters

Great Weather and a Great Day At the NY Aquarium

The New York Aquarium was the place to be today, especially if you're a camper! All kids, including myself, got the chance to enjoy front row seats to a show at the Aquatheater and watch sea lions like Diego and Osborne do their thing.

 

After the show, we stayed behind and had the opportunity to speak to Christina, one of the sea lion trainers. In just 30 minutes I learned:

- Female sea lions outlive males by about 10 years.

-It's easier to train all male sea lions, rather than having both males and females at the same site, because males are less distracted and don't compete for dominance as much.

-On some days, sea lions don't have to perform if they don't feel like it. Instead they can spend the day "hanging out" as Christina would say.

-It takes years to teach sea lions the same tricks that Osborne knows, he's been training since he was 1 1/2 years old and now he's 14.

Osborne doing an impressive dive.

Christina sharing cool facts.

Towards the end of the day, things became more relaxed and we were able to enjoy outdoor exhibits under the warm sun.

 

Overall, great day!

-Orleen

New York Aquarium Today

I was surprised to see the Black-Footed Penguins show themselves today, but it was a very sunny afternoon so who could blame them for sunbathing? Despite early rain, many folks came out to the New York Aquarium and really seemed to enjoy the Brazil Flooded Forest exhibit. In addition to this magnificent day, Jennifer and I got our very own Tillandsia plants.

Tips on How to Create Your Own Tillandsia Display

-Get a small plate to place the plant on, the campers used a thin plastic plate.

-Decorate the plate with rocks, bark chips, pebbles and anything else you please.

-Try not to place the plate in direct sunlight because this may be too much for the Tillandsia to handle.

-Water the plant 3 to 4 times a week using a spritzer rather than soaking or watering it down.

-Keep in mind that the Tillandsia does not have roots and so it absorbs water though its leaves.

Orleen

Something about the way the Pied Kingfisher catches its prey not only caught the eyes of the young campers but my own as well. Perhaps it's the way the bird hovers 50 feet over the water, overlooking its prey until the time is right, or maybe it's the way the bird's beak dives through the surface without making too much of a commotion to scare away prey. The Pied Kingfisher knows that this method of hunting requires a considerable amount of energy and so there isn't much room for error, which is why the bird is almost always successful.

--Orleen Lauture

Sea Lions Roar

          Sea lion's vocal communication is pretty unique, they are one of the few mammals that have an intense vocal speech.  They can produce vocal sounds on land and even under water!  During breeding seasons the male sea lions usually bark at one another to establish dominance on each others territory, or to show off to female sea lions.  Female sea lions use a lot of vocal communication with their pups.  When they have to go out to hunt for food, as they return they call out to their pups and the pup calls back in order to find each other again.  Female sea lions also become very aggressive right before and after giving birth, their "threat calls" progress from a bark to an intense squeal to a more forceful belch then after to an irregular growl.  Sea lions are very vocal, they communicate, just like us. 
                                                                                                
                                                                                                                          -Brendan M. 

Instagram Post

          While I was walking around today in Prospect Park Zoo, taking pictures and trying to come up with a theme for today's Instagram post.  I was in front of the Red Panda exhibit taking pictures while at the same time kids were in astonishment by the cuteness of the Red Pandas.  The children began asking their parents, "is it a bear or is it a raccoon?"  I found myself pondering the same questions,  then my teaching fellow had come up with the idea of 'food for thought'.  Thus, 'Food For Thought Thursday' was created.  When I got back to the computer I did some research on what the Red Panda is.  It turns out the Red Panda is not a bear, in fact the word panda comes from the Nepalese word "ponya" which means bamboo or plant eating animal.  However it is related to both a raccoon and bears, yet it falls into its unique genus species called  Ailurus fulgens.  That's what my Instagram post became about.  Food for thought and Red Pandas.

                                                                                                                           -Brendan M.

Three Red Pandas by Brendan M.

August.6.2014

It was a cool summer morning, a Wednesday, the first Wednesday of August in fact.  I spent my early hours of the internship learning and refining my skills at writing codes through a website.  After that I went out on a hunt.  A hunt for clues leading me to even more clues all around the zoo, until I found them all.  My appetite for adventure was already met, but my appetite for food was growing by the minute.  I left the zoo for about an hour and returned satisfied.  I came back into that office and finished up some coding, then I wrote what you're reading now.  Farewell and until next time. 

                                                    -Brendan M.

Building a Website

Building a Website

HTML Coding (CodeAcademy)

          Codecademy is very simple, you sign up (its free) and you start learning right away.  The lessons are very easy but memorizing the codes can be a pain.  If you practice everyday you will become an expert in no time!  A piece of advice I will give to you is, you have to be patient when coding rather than rush through it.  Also double check for any careless mistakes.  I spent around 10 minutes staring at the laptop screen trying to figure out which I can't move on to the next step.  Well it turns I forgot to capitalize one letter on a link and that messed up the whole code.  You will start out with the basic how to write codes for HTML. Then you'll get to the fun part which is CSS, this allows you to give your website style and color.

          For those who will be trying it for the first (like me).  I say it is an amazing opportunity like no other.  Especially in this age in time, where the field of technology is growing exponentially.  Knowing how to code could be very beneficial to you.  It benefited me because I was completely clueless about building a website and now I know the basics of how to do it.  Who knows if you are really good at it, it can become your career.  Just saying, Google how much a web developer makes.  Everyone should try this course on coding and enter it with an open mind.  

                  Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has uses coding to build their various websites, which I noticed displayed as I walked around the Prospect Park Zoo.  They learned how to make the website for people to see it and enjoy it.  Building a website can be very useful and beneficial when it can help the planet become a better place.  Wcs.org/birthday is a website to help kids celebrate their birthdays in a zoo, when they can have fun while also learning about wildlife.  Even helpful campaigns can grow by building a great website such as 96elephants.org.  Helping save the planets elephants can be a big project so they need to have a website that attracts people to it.  Just goes to show the amazing things that code could create, you just have to learn the skills to do it.