2017 Year in Review: Raina DeFonza, Outreach Coordinator
This year, two things stand out for me as being special or memorable in 2017, and both relate to our education snakes in our Outreach Room.
This year, two things stand out for me as being special or memorable in 2017, and both relate to our education snakes in our Outreach Room.
The Bear Who Broke the Internet.
Even though I only started working here in October, I have had so many wonderful memories at WCV. It is hard to pick just one memory that sticks out. Looking back on my first week here I was beyond excited but also very nervous. My nerves quickly disappeared that first week when I was shot by a water gun by no one other than Dr. Ernesto -- my boss!
Yet, out of all of the animals I knew I would love, one caught me by surprise: the Virginia Opossum.
Since being back I’ve learned a lot about myself -- things I’m good at and things I need to improve on. One thing I learned I enjoy doing is teaching the students that come through our doors.
One of the most memorable experiences of the past year was helping the Wildlife Center host the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium in March 2017.
I had the privilege of watching as people who were completely unfamiliar with the Wildlife Center had an up-close encounter with some of nature’s coolest birds.
Only a month after starting my internship, I received a call about an injured baby Black Bear. You can imagine my excitement to receive this call!
There weren't any big, charismatic animals like eagles or bears involved, the event wasn't reported on by the local news stations … in fact, I can't even remember what month it was.
We moved to Virginia in 2017, and this has been my first year as an outreach volunteer at the Wildlife Center.