A Rosy Future with the New El Paso Zoo Educator

By Liz Kern

Teaching kids about nature is top of the list for new Zoo educator Rose Janice (pronounced jah-neece'). She is no stranger to the field of education, having taught literacy and parenting skills to adults and math and science to kids, so it just adds up that she would be a perfect addition to the Zoo. "It was a challenge teaching math and science to the kids. Kids always have a fear of not learning the basic math skills so I had to be creative in the way I taught - to make it more interesting for them to be able to learn" says Janice.

"When we teach literacy we say if you are reading a story you are already there - a part of it, but when you can actually be at the place where the images on the page come to life - it just takes it to a higher level," says Janice.

We sat down with Janice to find out what she wants to see happen with the education program at the El Paso Zoo. Says Janice: "My whole life has been education so I am hoping to connect our education program with the public schools, private schools, and charter academies so that there's a chain reaction by our kids to learn about our animals. You know the term from that movie "Pay it forward." I want our kids to "pay it forward." If you learn to respect what you do people will follow you, and it will help you become a great leader."

Why should parents take their kids to the zoo?
First of all, I didn't know there was a zoo education program here in El Paso! I also didn't know that our zoo animals represented those out there (in the wild) that needed saving from becoming extinct. So, parents can bring their kids here to get the right information, accurate information about our animals - they are not just for show and tell, and these animals have unique personalities. I also learned that you get attached to them very quickly. And they teach you to respect their habitat.

Your Goals: That I'm able to give meaningful lessons and be inspirational to the public so they can learn about the animals in our Zoo, and get them involved in helping to save our endangered animals. "My goal is to get you: the public, the schools, the community involved in your favorite charity, your favorite organization or here at the zoo.* I just want to see the community get involved in El Paso no matter what it is - just get involved and be a part of something."

One of Janice's new responsibilities is teaching kids during the sea lion and elephant talks. She says "it's not only to teach but to help you understand the way we train our animals. The Zoo is a great learning tool for projects; if you want to do a science project about animals you can come to the zoo, read about them, write about them and do research."

"A koala is my favorite animal (Note: the El Paso Zoo does not have koalas) but I am falling in love with the elephants Savannah and Juno. I think elephants come close to being us - they are so loving, they're so gentle, and they love their calves, they take care of them very well. It's the same way we should take care of our own kids. And Sushi is my favorite sea lion, because she's funny, playful, energetic, and smart - just like me!"

And the El Paso Zoo made a smart move hiring a real Rose!

Come see Rose Janice at the El Paso Zoo's "World of the Sea Lion" Show 10:45 & 2:45, and the Elephant Training Session at 12:00. *For more zoo info or to volunteer at the zoo call: 521-1850 or go online to www.elpasozoo.org.