SCIENCE SCHOLARS LEARNING TO CONSERVE THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.
The Chicago Zoological Society's King Conservation Science Scholars program for diverse high school students develops scientifically literate, college-ready and career-ready teens prepared to resolve major environmental and technological issues of the future. As part of their experience, King Scholars have opportunities to work with Brookfield Zoo professionals on exclusive research projects available nowhere else in the Chicago metropolitan area. Last year Nate Haefelin, a sophomore at Stagg High School in Palos Hills, expressed an interest in undertaking an independent project on the Zoo's Mexican gray wolves.
As a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for Mexican gray wolves, the Chicago Zoological Society helps to manage responsible breeding of this endangered species to ensure healthy populations. The Zoo's breeding pair, Zana and Flint, was introduced last year, and it was important to learn if the pair had bonded, as this could translate into successful breeding.
Under the guidance of animal care specialist Raquel Ardisana, Nate began conducting mating observations of Zana and Flint in March 2015. Nate served as the staff's eyes and ears during this time, and captured numerous behavioral activities. The introduction was successful—in May 2015 Zana and Flint became first-time parents to four pups, a major contribution to the Mexican gray wolf population in North America. Nate's work provided animal care staff with baseline data that could lead to future breeding successes.
During his time observing the wolves, Nate also noted how guests strolled through the Regenstein Wolf Woods exhibit and asked questions about their experience. Nate began thinking of ways to improve signage to better engage those who stopped to read them. To address this he teamed up with Andre Copeland, Interpretive Programs Manager, to design new exhibit signs. This year Nate began a new project observing giraffe behaviors.
After just one year as a King Scholar Nate has truly made a difference. He embodies the King Scholar mindset by reflecting the Chicago Zoological Society's mission with his actions and inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Nate describes himself as extremely passionate about animal conservation and dreams of obtaining his doctorate in zoology. He is well on his way to learning what it takes to accomplish his dream through the King Conservation Science Scholars program and the work he is doing at Brookfield Zoo.
Astellas USA Foundation is excited to fund the Chicago Zoological Society's “King Conservation Science Scholars Program.” This new program affords 255 Chicago-area high school students the opportunity to become the next generation of scientifically literate, college-ready and career-ready students.
