Sam Hermanstorfer

Conservation Related Experience:
I am a Pachyderm Zookeeper Intern at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois. My responsibilities align with the full-time zookeepers- feeding, bathing, medicating, cleaning, providing enrichment, and educating guests about the animals I work with and the environment in general. I conduct research through my internship regarding ethograms of the animals I am working with and comparing their behaviors to the behaviors of the same species in the wild. Additionally, I work in the Carnivore Coexistence Lab with Dr. Adrian Treves  of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. I analyze the behavior of species before and after the reintroduction of lions into Akagera National Park in Rwanda. I am also a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biology National Honor Society. The goal of the Society is to improve the understanding and the appreciation of the biological sciences through volunteering and fundraising.

Connection to Conservation Biology:
Working with the Brookfield and Henry Vilas Zoos has opened my eyes to the true impact I can have on the natural world, and it has compelled me to educate others on what they can do to help as well. While the conservation of the natural world is an international issue, some problems can be localized and simplified. Too much trash in the oceans can cause damage to marine life, so you can reduce your personal waste by recycling and composting. Global Warming is melting the ice caps and causing polar bears to lose their native habitats, but riding your bike to work instead of driving your car can reduce carbon emissions. I look forward to educating many more people about what contributions they can make to help conserve ecosystems around the world.