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Sophomore Lauren Velazquez spent her summer learning about animal behavior and connecting with F&M alumni during an internship at the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus, N.J. 

Velazquez learned about the opportunity while volunteering at the F&M Vivarium, a behavioral research facility housing rodents, reptiles, invertebrates and nonhuman primates. Her personal connection to the zoo made the internship especially appealing.

鈥淲hen I saw a listing for the Bergen County Zoo, my face immediately lit up,鈥� Velazquez said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been attending that zoo since I was very young.鈥�

Velazquez worked closely with Victoria O鈥機onnor 鈥�16, the zoo鈥檚 supervisor of enrichment, training and welfare. In this role, O鈥機onnor creates and implements training and enrichment programs, monitors animal welfare, conducts research, and plans educational events for zoo visitors. 

When O鈥機onnor had the opportunity to hire a seasonal employee for the summer, she reached out to Professor of Psychology Meredith Bashaw and asked her to share the opening with students. Velazquez鈥檚 experience made her a perfect fit.

鈥淏etween her comfort with the zoo and her history working at the vivarium, she was a great match,鈥� O鈥機onnor said. 

The position focused on animal welfare and enrichment, which Velazquez said encompassed a wide variety of daily tasks, 鈥渇rom participating in owl research to putting sunscreen on potbellied pigs.鈥� 

She also took on a summer-long project to update reptile enclosures and amphibian and arthropod tanks and developed unexpected skills with power tools while building a tower for the zoo鈥檚 coatis to climb on. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a really rewarding project. I like seeing how the animals enjoy their space,鈥� Velazquez said.

Velazquez had the chance to connect with additional F&M alumni in June, when O鈥機onnor organized an alumni event at the zoo. The program included breakfast, a customized educational program, and a guided tour.

鈥淲e had a beautiful day and received great feedback on the event,鈥� said O鈥機onnor. She hopes to host similar programs in the future and help F&M students connect with alumni who studied animal behavior.

O鈥機onnor encouraged F&M students to reach out to alumni for advice on potential career paths and to take advantage of all that F&M鈥檚 Animal Behavior program has to offer. 

鈥淚t truly is a rarity in undergraduate education, with incredible professors who seek to help inside and outside of the classroom, and the vivarium for hands-on experience,鈥� O鈥機onnor said.

Through the internship, Velazquez said she gained skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and effective communication that will serve her well in any profession. Her summer experience also offered valuable insight into animal behavior and zoo management.

鈥淭here鈥檚 so much that goes into keeping the animals happy and healthy,鈥� Velazquez said. 鈥淔or every content animal, there is a team of keepers working around the clock to ensure the best care.鈥�

Victoria O'Connor '16, Supervisor of Enrichment, Training and Welfare at the Bergen County Zoo. Photo provided by Victoria O'Connor.

Lauren Velazquez with a goat at the Bergen County Zoo. Photo provided by Lauren Velazquez.

An anteater at the Bergen County Zoo. Photo provided by Lauren Velazquez.

Photo provided by Victoria O'Connor.

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