I had dreams of writing, even when I worked at the Zoo. Then, I imagined I’d write my memoirs. Thought by the time I’d put in 20 or 30 years I’d have enough memories stashed away to make some interesting stories. I even had a title for my autobiography: Dead Mice In My Pocket. Catchy, right? You’d pick it up, especially if you saw this on the cover.
Why that title? When you work with exotic animals, you get used to having a lot of odd things in your pockets, dead mice are just the start.
It was a great career; I had a blast, made lasting friends and have treasured memories. Animal training is every bit as rewarding and heartwarming as you’d think. Exotic animals are not pets, but the emotional bonding is the same, at least on this human’s part.
I worked with many different species: sea lions, wolves, big cats, birds of prey, many different types of reptiles, wild dogs, porcupines, and so many more. I got asked all the time, “which one was your favorite?” They all were, for very different reasons.
Akela, the timber wolf, was such a funny pup. We took turns babysitting him off site for a few weeks, before the hospital had room to quarantine him. Those were some rough shifts let me tell you! Daytime TV, a wolf puppy snoozing in my lap, and I’m getting paid? Sweet!
Harpo was the first sea lion I worked with. He was already elderly and blind by the time I started, and he was the one all trainers started on. Harpo was the equivalent of the solid, reliable plug you put first-time horseback riders on; won’t startle, won’t bolt. But he was no push-over, if you weren’t consistent or clear in your training, he wouldn’t work for you.
It was hard work. Physical, strenuous but so very rewarding. “Man, they’re paying me to cuddle a cheetah!” went through my head more times than I can count. Yeah, I do miss it. But, now, I’m content with my dogs, cats and chickens.
Those days live on in my heart, and I get to share them here. I’m grateful every day for those memories.
Serena Dracis 