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memento1More than you could ever want to know about my Davis trip...with pictures!
Sooo, I could go ever little detail but a) I don't have the time and b) probably no one cares. ;) So let's just get right to the pictures, shall we?
The first day we went to Wild Things Inc, started and run by graduates, but sadly, got no pictures. I got to touch a kangaroo, however, and they had 2 kid baboons who they let run around off-leash. It was awesome! Next day was Guide Dogs for the Blind.
A puppy! The place itself was amazing. I would love to work there.
Then there was Safari West, which had a less interesting tour but a nice variety of animals.
This was a cute little hornbill hanging around the place.
Oryx! Oryx are awesome ;)
And then there was Marine World. Holy crap do they have the animals. We went to like 10 different exhibits there to talk with trainers. All were awesome. The park was closed, so we got private tours and talks with the trainers, many of whom were graduates of this program.
A baby they had to hand-rear! Isn't it adorable?
Walruses are awesome. This one is whistling on cue. They're gigantic but they're just big teddy bears in temperament.
This elephant was massive. As tall as the ceiling and extremely smart. It's amazing that they could so easily hurt you without even trying, but they're so aware of their own size and careful not to hurt anyone. We got to go up and touch her - the skin is so tough (and hairy).
A king vulture. Those things are temperamental.
The famous tiger Island, where the trainers interact with the tigers and work them for milk ;) It's amazing to watch.
They throw meat in the water and the tigers dive down for it. They snarl in order to keep the water out of their nose.
You can believe I was in heaven during this part. It's been my dream to work with killer whales since I was a kid, and for a long time I gave up on that dream. Now I'm starting to think it's not that unreachable. The trainer was really nice and helpful answering questions for us.
Next was Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, where they have 6 sea lions used for outreach and career training for college students. I should have gone there! The lady was extremely nice and taught me a lot about training. She believes this is the best trained sea lion in the world, and I believe her. It was amazing.
Finally, there was Monterey Bay Aquarium. I was blown away. They make learning fun and interactive, without forcing it in your face. I could have looked around there for hours. The highlights for me included the world's only captive Great White Shark, gigantic Bluefin Tuna and Ocean Sunfish, a huge kelp forest exhibit, and a big section on jellyfish. They use dark lighting and mood music to great effect - the place feels magical.
And that's it! We also went to Happy Hollow Zoo, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, and the California National Primate Research Center. The last really changed my views on primate research. They take AMAZING care of their macaques - they're breeding colonies live in half-acre enclosures with 100+ individuals and plenty of climbing structures, playpens, and companions. They live like natural macaques do, with dominant males, frequent breeding, grooming, play, and fights. It all just seems incredibly natural. Even the research animals receive the top-most care and enrichment. It was really cool.
OK, I could go on and on, but that's all I've got the time and energy for right now. Tomorrow it's back to the daily grind!
Sooo, I could go ever little detail but a) I don't have the time and b) probably no one cares. ;) So let's just get right to the pictures, shall we?
The first day we went to Wild Things Inc, started and run by graduates, but sadly, got no pictures. I got to touch a kangaroo, however, and they had 2 kid baboons who they let run around off-leash. It was awesome! Next day was Guide Dogs for the Blind.
A puppy! The place itself was amazing. I would love to work there.
Then there was Safari West, which had a less interesting tour but a nice variety of animals.
This was a cute little hornbill hanging around the place.
Oryx! Oryx are awesome ;)
And then there was Marine World. Holy crap do they have the animals. We went to like 10 different exhibits there to talk with trainers. All were awesome. The park was closed, so we got private tours and talks with the trainers, many of whom were graduates of this program.
A baby they had to hand-rear! Isn't it adorable?
Walruses are awesome. This one is whistling on cue. They're gigantic but they're just big teddy bears in temperament.
This elephant was massive. As tall as the ceiling and extremely smart. It's amazing that they could so easily hurt you without even trying, but they're so aware of their own size and careful not to hurt anyone. We got to go up and touch her - the skin is so tough (and hairy).
A king vulture. Those things are temperamental.
The famous tiger Island, where the trainers interact with the tigers and work them for milk ;) It's amazing to watch.
They throw meat in the water and the tigers dive down for it. They snarl in order to keep the water out of their nose.
You can believe I was in heaven during this part. It's been my dream to work with killer whales since I was a kid, and for a long time I gave up on that dream. Now I'm starting to think it's not that unreachable. The trainer was really nice and helpful answering questions for us.
Next was Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, where they have 6 sea lions used for outreach and career training for college students. I should have gone there! The lady was extremely nice and taught me a lot about training. She believes this is the best trained sea lion in the world, and I believe her. It was amazing.
Finally, there was Monterey Bay Aquarium. I was blown away. They make learning fun and interactive, without forcing it in your face. I could have looked around there for hours. The highlights for me included the world's only captive Great White Shark, gigantic Bluefin Tuna and Ocean Sunfish, a huge kelp forest exhibit, and a big section on jellyfish. They use dark lighting and mood music to great effect - the place feels magical.
And that's it! We also went to Happy Hollow Zoo, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, and the California National Primate Research Center. The last really changed my views on primate research. They take AMAZING care of their macaques - they're breeding colonies live in half-acre enclosures with 100+ individuals and plenty of climbing structures, playpens, and companions. They live like natural macaques do, with dominant males, frequent breeding, grooming, play, and fights. It all just seems incredibly natural. Even the research animals receive the top-most care and enrichment. It was really cool.
OK, I could go on and on, but that's all I've got the time and energy for right now. Tomorrow it's back to the daily grind!
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no subject
Date: 2006-10-15 03:36 pm (UTC)Meanwhile, killer whale training. That big giant deep pool doesn't weird you out? I get like...underwater vertigo when I stand next to the performance tanks.
No pictures of the great white. !! I wanted my JAWS fix. ;)
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Date: 2006-10-15 11:49 pm (UTC)sounds like it was an awesome trip!
no subject
Date: 2006-10-18 12:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-18 01:12 pm (UTC)And no, I have no problem with the pool. Ever since I was a kid I've been the first person in the pool and the last one out, so I'm pretty good with it. Although their swim test involves swimming to the bottom of the tank, which could get hard on the ears.
And I actually did take a picture of the great white, but the place was so darn dark (mood lighting), the pic came out totally black. Ah well.