Zoology for Kids: Understanding and Working with Animals, with 21 Activities
Your friends MARTIN KRATT AND CHRIS KRATT Creators and stars of Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts
AUTHORS NOTES M y journey as a zoologist began when I was just 11 years old At the time I didn't even know what a zoologist was I remember taking a trip across the country from my home state of Arizona to the Midwest to visit Chicago's Brookfield Zoo It was during this trip that I first told my mom I wanted to work with animals when I grew up I never gave up on that dream Pursuing a career as a zoologist is hard work There are lots of people who love animals and want to make a career out of working with them It was thanks to several years of dedication and support from my family and friends that I made it I've worked with some wonderful animals along the way from giraffe wallabies and lemurs to parrots alli gators and pythons I even had the privilege of work ing at Brookfield Zoo the very same place I visited when I was just 11 years old While there I helped take care of bottlenose dolphins gray seals harbor seals and my favorite animals California sea lions Today I get to go to work every day at the Aquarium of the Pacific where I take care of sea lions harbor seals sea otters penguins and other species Over the years I've also worked with hundreds of
talented zoologists who love animals just like me Every day kids like you come up to me and ask what it takes to be a zoologist I can't help but smile and remember it wasn't so long ago that I was in your shoes My wife Bethanie and I decided to write this book because we think there is so much beauty in the world and it s important to understand respect appreciate and enjoy it Since we also share a love for education and learning we put our heads together to create Zoology for Kids As you read this book we hope it helps you feel more connected with the animal kingdom You will learn the ins and outs of zoology but most of all you will learn what you can do to be part of this commu nity a community that works every day to preserve and protect this amazing world we call home JOSH HESTERMANN coauthor rowing up in my family meant hiking through deserts and canyons pitching a tent and camp ing high up in the mountains and even riding waves on the California coast When I was outside I felt happy and free I didn't know it then but my appreci ation for the natural world was the beginning of my journey as a zoologist Then I married a zookeeper Josh's love for ani mals and my love for natural places went together like a fruit bat and a fig tree Don't get that compari son yet You will In other words we made a good
team Together we more fully began to understand the unique and complicated relationship humans have with the other animals that share Planet Earth As a writer I am living proof that no matter what your talents are you can find a way to participate in and contribute to the zoology community Through Zoology for Kids Josh and I hope to not only encour age your curious mind but to inspire you to go for it whatever it is for you Whether you're a budding scientist an amateur photographer or a young poet use your strengths to showcase what you love to educate others and to make a difference BETHANIE HESTERMANN coauthor
