Tenrec

 Leighanna Weems                                                                                                                         Weems 1

Professor Foster 

ENG 111 2WF 

4 April 2023 

Tenrec

           For those who do not know, I volunteer as an Animal Behavioral Research technician at the zoo. During the last meeting I attended, we got introduced to the Ambassadors Program, which is the special team that uses animals to teach about wildlife conservation and education. Part of this program involves getting up close to animals, and in this meeting, I met a tenrec for the first time. 

           Tenrecs are native to only Madagascar and are small, robust creatures with quills and a long snout. They are nocturnal and spend their time during the day burrowed under vegetation. During the night, they hunt for small insects to eat. Unfortunately, due to their small size and increase in deforestation, tenrecs are close to extinction. This explains why our little friend ended up at the zoo, where they utilize him to educate on forest conservation and the importance of wildlife diversity. Increased education on these topics, especially for the youth, is the best way we can save tenrecs from extinction. Donating to legitimate organizations that specialize in wildlife rehabilitation and repopulation of endangered species is another great way we can contribute to their survival. 

       This is a photo of the tenrec I met during the meeting.