News and Events
Hyenas at the New York State Fair
The Hyenas visited the NYS Fair to check out the animal displays as part of their clinical and animal welfare courses. It was a hot and humid day with temperatures in the 90s but fun was had by all... and such great food!
New Summer Internships in the Animal Management Program!
As part of the newly redesigned Animal Management Program curriculum, second-year students completed internships over the summer. Placements were as far away as Phoenix, AZ and gave students valuable workplace experience with a zoo, aquarium, conservancy or state DEC agency. Classroom content included practical presentations about each person's experience and both American Heart Saver (human) CPR/AED certification and Red Cross Pet First Aid certification. A special thank you to the organizations that hosted the animal management students this summer and to Mrs. Barter (Human) and Mr. Hall (Pet) for providing the certification training.
GRIZZLIES Graduate!
The AMG 2010 Grizzly Bears have graduated. Thank you for all of your hard work! The Hyenas did a great job of arranging the Final Year Party - zip lines, rapping, great food and human pyramids... Go Grizzlies!
Hyenas visit Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation
As part of their Behavioral Husbandry course, the 2011 Hyenas prepared animal enrichment for the rehabilitation animals at Kindred Kingdoms. Thank you to the Sopranos for hosting and teaching us about their incredible operation.
Final Year Trip: Grizzlies head to the National Zoo in Washington, DC
For their final year trip, the AMG Grizzly Bears went to Washington DC. The first evening took us to the National Mall.
Our second day saw us visit the National Zoo for a special tour where we were able to get an insider's glimpse at animal care and some of the new developments at the zoo. A big thank you to Don for making our visit fun and educational!
Day three saw us back at the National Mall for a visit to the Museum of Natural History and other attractions. We had a ball!
On our final day, we stopped on our journey home to visit the Maryland Zoo. It was rainy, but a great experience and lots of fun!
Last day of Spring Rotation at Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo
With the warm weather here and final exams approaching, the Grizzlies and Hyenas finished their clinical rotations at the zoo for the year. A great semester! Thanks to the zoo staff for their mentorship all year long and to the students for their work; especially to the Grizzlies who have finished their last rotation.
Snake Workshop
Tom Hudak visited campus again this year to provide a workshop for the second year students on venomous and non-venomous; similar to what he provides for NYS DEC. It was a great experience - thank you, Tom!
Visit to the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
We hit the road this semester to visit Binghamton Zoo. Keeper Patrick provided a guided tour that focused to zoo-related botany and invasive plant species that was followed by a brief PowerPoint lecture. Thanks Patrick!
Super Science Saturday, 2010!
The 3rd annual Super Science Saturday was a great success! Attendance was up and by all accounts, fun was had by all. Chemistry & Laser Light Demonstrations headlined with the entire science division participating. Animal Management was out in full force in the "World of Zookeeping" exhibit. Thanks to Deltra & Kelly for organizing and supervising Building 6.
International Conference on Wildlife Conservation, Health & Disease Management - A Post Millenium Approach
Dr. Irwin has returned from Chennai, India where he presented a lead paper on "The Role of Veterinarians in Mentoring Future Animal Care Professionals" and a presentation about SUNY Jefferson's Animal Management Program. The role of zoo keepers is very different in India and it was great to exchange ideas. Outside of the conference, delegates had opportunity to visit many historical, cultural and animal-related locations. The hospitality was exceptional! A heartfelt "thank you" goes to the conference organizers and hosts (Especially Dr. Sridhar!). It was a wonderful experience!
ZEW's Christmas at the Zoo
As part of their semester's activities, the Zoo/Exotic/Wildlife Club raised funds to purchase Holiday gifts for each area of Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Staff were gathered into the classroom, and after a little dance demonstration by the ZEW crew, Enrichment items, special treats and animal husbandry gifts were given out. The Zoo's staff have been great mentors for the students and the club wanted to do something to show their appreciation. Following the gifts, the club provided some food & drink.
Kelly is a Mom ... welcome Lindsey Elizabeth!
And yes, we have given her an AMG uniform patch for her blankie ... Congratulations Kelly & Brian!
The Great Zoo Boo, 2009
It was time to get kooky (but not spooky) again! The AMG crew once again made it to the incredible, Great Zoo Boo at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Dr. Irwin reprised his role as the Mad Scientist for each of the 4 nights and was cooking up kookiness in the kitchen. A mix of AMG Grizzlies and freshmen were done up in costumes too. A little rainy this year, but lots of fun!
AMG Heads to Buffalo for the New York State Zoos Conference
This October, AMG hit the road to visit the Buffalo Zoo as it hosted the New York State Zoos Conference. The day was filled with discussions, zoo tours and presentations. It was a great experience for our group (this was the first conference for most of the students). The Buffalo Zoo team went all out to make it a great experience for us. A huge THANK YOU to Buffalo Zoo's team for allowing us to particpate. It was an effective way to encourage professional development & participation in the zoo field.
Freshmen Host School Groups at Old McDonald's Farm
As part of their Domestic Animal Industries course, the freshmen hosted local school groups at the Farm. Even though one day was raining heavily, everyone seemed to have a great time. The kids were ENTHUSIASTIC!
Freshmen Orientation at NYSZ
The AMG freshmen visited the New York State Zoo to begin their zoo orientation classes. It won't be long now! Thanks Sue & Sharah!
Grizzlies on Rotation!
The AMG Grizzlies were back on rotation this semester at RGZ doing what they love to do!
A taste of Farrier work
Farrier Mindy gave the Grizzlies their first taste of farrier work. A lot harder than it even looks!
2010 Grizzly Bears visit NYS Fair
As part of their domestic animal clinical, the Grizzlies hit the road to visit the New York State Fair in Syracuse. It was a great day learning about agriculture, watching sheep get sheared, discussing dairy cows, visiting with veterinarians, & checking out cheese. The food was awesome!
The AMG 2009 Ocelots Graduate!
Congratulations to the 2009 Ocelots for graduating! Thank you for all of your hard work!
The Ocelots Take Manhattan
On April 24, the Ocelots (and a couple of Bandicoots) traveled to New York City for the weekend. Our hotel was located near Times Square, providing great restaurants and a chance to experience the city.
Our first official stop was at Central Park. The group enjoyed an excellent tour of the Central Park Zoo with docent and author, Joan Scheier (www.newyorkcityzoos.com and www.cpzbook.com). The weather was beautiful and hospitality wonderful! Thanks Joan!
Our second day in NYC found the group at the Bronx Zoo. Everyone was amazed at the incredible facility and the strong conservation messages.
Our final day in NYC was spent at the American Museum of Natural History. After an improptu herpetology class with Dr. Vincent, everyone spread out to explore the museum and find exhibits of interest ranging from dinosaurs, to anthropology, to animals of the world.
Semester Wrap-up
With rotation at Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo, herpetology field labs and animal management class activities (like ear tagging lambs), it has been a busy semester!
ZEW (Zoo/Exotic/Wildlife) Club's "Bamboo Art"
After a March class trip, the ZEW club decided to return to Binghamton's Ross Park Zoo for some fresh air, exercise and fun on April 18. The group provided general spring cleaning assistance, and were challenged with decorating plastic tubing to look like bamboo for a new exhibit. We also were able to see the firehose hammock that we made last year for the spectacled bears in operation.
Super Science Saturday 2009
February 7, 2009 was the second annual Super Science Saturday event at JCC. Faculty and students hosted students (grades 5-8) and their families for interactive exhibits that promoted science and science careers. A great time was had by all! Animal Management students had an interactive display that demonstrated why exotic animals do not make good pets...using some real avian ambassadors. Using biofacts, the biology lab was the location of "Adaptation Appreciation" games. Our team also teamed with World Of Wildlife Encounters (WOWEE) and WWNY TV's Jeff Cole to do two very popular stage presentations. Other animal-themed exhibitors included: The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, Jefferson County Public Health, Old McDonald's Farm, Jefferson County Dog Control, and AMG Alumni.
The AMG 2010 Grizzly Bears are here!
The freshman class has chosen its mascot... welcome Grizzly Bears!!! They've already developed their own bear-paws dance maneuver.
Grizzly Bears visit the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park
The Grizzlies visited the New York State Zoo for a workshop and work period on basic keeper safety. General curator Sue coached the students on matters of safety. Students practiced coiling hoses, using tools and used a transfer crate to move a "bear" from the classroom to the clinic. We then moved to the children's farm to lend a hand and do some Fall clean up. Thanks Sue and Alex!
Old McDonald's Farm
Both AMG Ocelots and Grizzly Bears have held class at Old McDonald's Farm in Sackets Harbor. Activities ranged from horse grooming, a tour of the 500 head dairy, Halloween exhibit preparations for school groups, and an introduction to equine foot trimming. A huge thanks to Mrs. Robbins for her warm hospitality and to Mindy for the farrier workshop.
AMG goes Canadian at Toronto Zoo...eh?!
On October 8th, the AMG group hit the road and traveled to Toronto Zoo! Rain held off to make it a great day!
