Isla W., Teen Rep Communications Specialist & Newsletter Contributor
Dec 29, 2024
At 17, volunteering at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary isn’t just about cleaning cages and prepping food—it’s about wrangling owls, training brown bears, and learning the real deal on Florida’s native wildlife. From hands-on animal care to founding a school club that champions conservation, this journey is turning a dream of zoology into a full-throttle mission. Ready to see what it takes to care for creatures big and small? Step inside a world where every day is an adventure—and no textbook can compete.
As a seventeen-year-old volunteer at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, I've had some extraordinary experiences. For the past two years, I've been fortunate to gain hands-on experience with Florida's native wildlife, learning something new and fascinating each day.
My daily responsibilities include the essential tasks of maintaining animal habitats - cleaning bird cages and the deer yard, preparing food, and handling sanctuary laundry. But what really makes this experience special are opportunities I've been given, like handling birds of prey, including owls and hawks, who serve as our Animal Ambassadors. These magnificent creatures help educate sanctuary visitors, and it's crucial to handle them properly to ensure everyone's safety, including the birds themselves.
But the most exciting aspect of my work involves helping train the sanctuary's brown bears - we train them to be comfortable during routine medical exams and medication administration. It's an incredible experience that has taught me so much about animal behavior and care.
This experience has solidified my dream of pursuing zoology. I’ve taken additional science courses, including biology and environmental science, to prepare for college. The hands-on work at Busch has been invaluable, inspiring me to found a school club focused on educating and empowering students to become stewards of our unique ecosystem through learning experiences, advocacy, and community engagement. Every day at the sanctuary brings challenges and lessons that no textbook could provide.
About the Author:
Isla is a high school student at a local art school, a lifetime Mensan and Mensa Honor Society member, and serves as both our Communications Specialist and Newsletter Contributor. With a passion for zoology and a love of science, she’s preparing for college and aiming high—her sights are set on UC Davis or the University of Glasgow. Click here to learn more about Isla!