The first annual WLU Zoo Science open house is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Arnett Hall. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are all invited to attend. The open house will take visitors through various stations showcasing the program’s activities, including animal interactions, demonstrations, and student research. After visiting all the stations, attendees will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Lauren Mort, WLU’s Animal Care Specialist, expressed excitement about sharing the zoo science program with the community and emphasized that the event is open to everyone. The goal is to highlight the program’s offerings and opportunities available to students and the public. The hope is that the open house will become an annual event to celebrate the department and showcase student achievements.
Matthew Shuttleworth, the Zoo Science event coordinator and lab mentor, is eager for the rest of campus to see the passion and dedication students put into caring for the animal collection. The program not only provides opportunities for hands-on experience but also equips students with skill sets necessary for employment in various wildlife-related fields or graduate programs in conservation science.
The Zoo Science curriculum at WLU is designed to prepare students for careers in zoo and conservation facilities, wildlife rehabilitation, federal and state conservation agencies, and graduate schools specializing in ecological and conservation science. Those interested in learning more about the Zoo Science program at WLU can visit their website at https://westliberty.edu/zoosci/.