Caring for Animals
Ohio Wesleyan Senior Completes Columbus Zoo, Ohio Wildlife Center Internships
Name: Lily Hambric ’24
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
High school: Porter-Gaud High School in Charleston, South Carolina
Major: Zoology
Minors: French and Psychology
OWU Connection Experiences: Summer internships at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Ohio Wildlife Center
At the Columbus Zoo, Hambric is working as the North America Region intern, where Ohio Wesleyan graduate Nikki Smith ’01 is the curator. At the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC), Hambric is the Animal Husbandry and Interpretation intern and works within the center’s Educational Department.
“In both internships, I assist full-time staff with daily animal husbandry,” Hambric says. “This involves cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, and creating enrichment for the animals.”
My Favorite Moments
“At the zoo, I’ve really enjoyed feeding the different species within the North America region. At OWC, I’ve enjoyed caring for the animals and making sure they have the best quality of life.”
OWU has taught me to try new things and to not be afraid when experiences don’t work out the way I thought they would.
Lessons Learned
“I have learned that being a zoo keeper is an extremely taxing job both mentally and physically; however, it is also very rewarding as you build bonds with and give the best quality of life to the animals you care for.”
My Campus Involvement
“I am the president of Pitch Black (women’s a cappella group) and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.”
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
“I chose to attend OWU because of its Zoology (Biological Sciences) Department as well as the inclusive campus atmosphere.”
My Plans After Graduation
“I plan to take a gap year and then job hop until I find a career that makes me extremely happy. I am also interested in exploring marine rescue and rehabilitation. OWU has taught me to try new things and to not be afraid when experiences don’t work out the way I thought they would.”