Zoo Exhibitry trip from a third-time attendee perspective

By: Zoe Parkinson, Contributor

I have been fortunate enough to be able to take the Zoo Exhibitry class for the last three years, and each time it is one of the highlights of my fall semester. Every year has given me the chance to travel to zoos I have never been to and spend time thoughtfully and critically discussing favorite (and least favorite) exhibits with my peers. Dr. Margulis always does a wonderful job planning the destinations and themes each year, with this year's theme seeking to uncover what it means to be a “National Zoo.”

Over the fall break, we traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit the National Zoo, then Baltimore to visit the National Aquarium and the Maryland Zoo, and then to Pittsburgh to see the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and National Aviary. Each day consisted of several hours spent at one or two of the facilities, followed by a class discussion back at the hotel, where we talked over some of the strengths and weaknesses of each institution. 

As someone who wants to work in the zoo field, Zoo Exhibitry has expanded my knowledge and understanding of zoos and how they operate. We are also often given dedicated time to talk to staff members about the zoo they work at and the animals that they care for, which is always an educational and engaging part of our trip. 

Each trip has a strong focus on the exhibit quality at each zoo (hence, zoo “exhibitry”), with an emphasis on analyzing exhibit size, design and enrichment. For these reasons, one of the highlights of this year's trip certainly was seeing the giant panda exhibit at the National Zoo. Not only was their enclosure expansive and freshly renovated, it was also thoughtfully designed with both Chinese culture and giant panda conservation in mind. 

The National Aviary was another highlight for me, as their sole focus on bird exhibits was something I had never really seen in another facility. Their bird show was incredible and they were kind enough to allow the class to ask their staff questions even after the show was completed.

Overall, the trip this year provided the class with the chance to see lots of unique animals, exhibits and facilities and I am grateful for the memories I have made not just this year, but all the years that I have taken this class.