After spending the past three years as a King Conservation Science Scholar with the Chicago Zoological Society, Elena Palka-Flores, 17, of Oak Park graduated high school this spring and took a job at Brookfield Zoo.
She recently attended the Chicago Zoological Society’s Teen Conservation Leadership, which offers attendees an opportunity to learn about wildlife- and nature-focused jobs. Palka-Flores will attend the University of Illinois Springfield this fall, where she plans to major in environmental studies. On June 27, she answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves.
Q: What has being a King Conservation Scholar meant to you?
A: What I’ve discovered is that I’d like to work with animals as a career, and I’m interested in habitat restoration. At the zoo, I’m now an assistant roving naturalist. Basically, we handle reptiles around the park and talk to guests about them. I’m interested in educating the public about animals.
Q: What’s your take on the zoo and the public’s interaction with it?
A: I know people visit the zoo, but I don’t think they know a lot about animals here. … I think the zoo’s doing great in its mission to connect people with animals. Lots of people don’t go outside anymore; they’re on their phones. I have a collection of insects, and I take them to block parties to talk about them and encourage kids to explore their own backyards. The Oak Park Conservatory plants native species, and the library grows native plants outside, which I appreciate.
Q: What would you share with others interested in the scholar program?
A: I would tell other kids to join this program. It’s a great opportunity to practice public speaking skills and learn about animals.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.