It was my first official day of volunteering at Adelaide Zoo’s within the Natives department, as a part of the YATZ Discovery Program. Despite the heat and sweat I was provided with that day, all I could think of was “bring it on!”

I worked with Georgie, the native’s zookeeper for the day. The high heat temperatures coming in quickly in the next few days meant that the ‘Tamar Yard’ had be cleaned as best as possible, as it won’t be cleaned during the high 40 degree temperatures.

For me, every sweat and puff was worth it as I was able to learn so much from Georgie through it all – not only learning about the macropods of Adelaide Zoo but of the Dugongs from the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium too. As the day got closer to an end, Georgie and I prepared the animals food for the afternoon, as well as, prepare its breakfast for tomorrow morning – slicing them according to each animal’s size. Then we helped out the Nocturnal House zookeeper; checking on the radiated tortoises, making sure they’ll do well in the night via temperature.

I finished the day not only soaked in sweat but soaked in knowledge too!

Charlize (YATZ)