CALM
Zoo Campers get animal perspective
Eddie Zepeda's job is that of animal keeper but from June 25-29, between cleaning habitats and feeding animals, Zepeda became the CALM Answer Man. It was the second week of Zoo Camp at Bakersfield's California Living Museum (CALM) for children ages 6-12, and as they were led behind the scenes to learn about animals in the Mammal Round, the friendly and informative Zepeda suddenly found himself answering all kinds of questions from his curious and inquisitive guests. "Have you ever been hurt feeding the animals," one youngster wanted to know. "No, I just have to pay close attention and be aware of the animals' body language," Zepeda said. "Is a coati (Kwah-tee, long-nosed relative of the raccoon) fierce," wondered another child. "No. We have two of them, and one is timid, while the other is mischievous," Zepeda laughed. "One just wants to play, and the other just to be rubbed and scratched." "Do you teach coyotes tricks cause yesterday one was acting kind of crazy," asked a young man. "No, he's just like that," Zepeda replied. "Working with the animals is hard work everyday, but I love it. And because I am with them everyday, I get to know their habits. For instance, bobcats like feathers in their cages, and today, I am going to put a windup mouse toy in the coati habitat to give them something to play with and to see their reaction."
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