Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventures here on the Zoo’s website!

On Wednesday, February 6th, Ms. Maya O’Connor introduced us the world of Zoo Education. With nine years of experience under her belt, Ms. O’Connor is an expert in her field as a Senior Educator at the San Diego Zoo. This means that she has created and taken part in all of the Zoo education programs.

Ms. O’Connor began her pathway towards zoo education at the University of California, Davis, where she studied and majored in animal science. Initially, she wanted to aim for a career in veterinary science, but found that it involved more formal studies, when what she really wanted to do was interact with animals. That being said, this was just the beginning of Ms. O’Connor’s career in education, as she decided to minor in education. After completing her undergrad at UC Davis, Ms. O’Connor went on to major in education in graduate school.

After earning her Master’s degree in Education and a teaching credential, Ms. O’Connor became a high school teacher and FFA (Future Farmers of America) advisor. As a science high school teacher, this job allowed her to return to her passion of the animal science in a field where she could interact with many people. It was during her time as a teacher when a spot in the San Diego Zoo’s Education Department opened up. Ms. O’Connor was one of two people who got the job, out of a pool of over 250 applicants. She credits her success in obtaining the job partially to her teaching credential, which gave her an advantage over other applicants.

Upon starting her career in zoo education at the San Diego Zoo, Ms. O’Connor also got the opportunity to work hands on with the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors, and currently works with animals such as Rio the parrot (pictured above). Animal Ambassadors is an educational program in which animals that “represent their species” are brought to schools in order to teach kids about different animal species and their conservation. Ms. O’ Connor works with Rio to make his transportation to and from the Zoo less stressful. This is done through training sessions which utilize positive reinforcement as encouragement for performing tasks such as entering his carrier.

Ms. O’ Connor says that her favorite things about her job are being around animals and also educate people to help make a difference in the world. She recommends that people who share these same passions look into a career in zoo education. Upon being asked what young people can do in order to get her job, Ms. O’Connor highlighted that the Zoo looks for people who have “sparkle”, which can be defined as having enthusiasm, and being flexible and adaptable to various audiences. She also recommends volunteering at animal shelters or other zoos, and also getting experience in working with kids, eventually working up to earning a teaching credential.

What resonated with me during our meeting with Ms. O’Connor was that educators like herself act as the bridge between the Zoo and the rest of the world, as they teach lessons in conservation, encouraging practices that we can use everyday in order to make the world a better place for both people and animals.

Evelyn, Careers Team
Week One, Winter Session 2019