Summer Full of Fun and Education!

Although some might think we’re just “hanging around” this summer (see Burma, our Burmese python hanging out in the tree!), we are actually quite busy at Animal Embassy! We are fortunate to have an amazing group of interns assisting us. We did take some time out to relax at our Intern Appreciation Barbeque one evening in July. Pictured above is Robin, our Education and Animal Care Specialist along with Anne, one of our awesome interns.

Pictured above is the group who attended our Barbeque. Thank you all! You help make it possible for Animal Embassy to care for the incredible diversity of Animal Ambassadors that we have adopted and rescued.

Can you spot Burma, our Burmese python, and Rain, our green iguana in this photo?

Pictured above is Gabbie, one of our newest interns, as she meets Inca, the Spectacled owl at the BBQ.
Eric, one of our returning interns, sees Inca again after attending another year at Delaware Valley College. Without our dedicated staff and interns, we could not connect with the thousands of people that we do, through our programs and exhibits.

This summer, we have been particularly busy visiting libraries throughout Connecticut with our Animal Ambassadors. We are delighted to make connections with people of all ages in these marvelous places of learning.

We are also busy meeting campers of all ages at a variety of summer camps. We are providing programs to go along with some really cool camp themes: from “Jungle” themes and “Living the Pirate’s Life”. . . to “Animals in Disguise” and “Farm vs. Wild Animals.” It’s a lot of fun!
Another summer highlight has been our Budding Naturalist program. Pictured above, two of our Budding Naturalists hold a beautiful black rat snake, a species native to Connecticut. This snake was rescued from a Greenwich resident’s shed where it had become entwined in netting. Once it has recuperated, it will be released back to the area where it belongs.
Above, Chris discusses the black rat species with the Budding Naturalists and its important role in the environment. 

During the Budding Naturalist program, fish were caught in humane traps, observed, and then released. Above, one of our students got hands-on experience!

More up close interaction with nature at its best.

An American eel, one of the fish we encountered, was a wonderful learning tool. These incredible fish migrate from ponds here in New England to the Sargasso Sea. Anadromous fish like these start off in fresh water, go to the salt water, have their babies and return to the fresh water. A "great migration" in our own backyard.

All animals caught over the course of the Budding Naturalist program were released. Children love to catch and hold things. With Animal Embassy programs, we want children to learn about animals, while understanding the importance of letting animals be free as they were intended to be.

Next week is our Keeper in Training program, where children entering Grades 6-9 get hands-on experience and training with our Animal Ambassadors.

We hope you are enjoying the summer – please make time to come and visit us at our public exhibit at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center!