Becky Sorensen has been an avid animal lover since she was a small child. By the time she was in the eighth grade she was asking for a pet giraffe, her favorite animal. By 9th grade she studied them and knew everything about them. She went away to Otterbein College after graduation and studied biological sciences and in her senior year, won an internship at the Cincinnati Zoo beating 250 other applicants for a spot. She was also only 1 of 2 applicants who got to work with the animals she requested; Manatees and Vanishing Giants (Giraffes and Elephants). So in the mornings when the internship began she worked with the manatees. She fed them, snorkeled with them, assisted with their daily care (weekly weights, etc.). Then in the afternoon, she moved to the elephants and giraffes. She fed them and yes, shoveled tons of poo! She learned everything there is to know about elephants and came to love them as much as she does the giraffes. She fed the elephants their favorite treat jellybeans, they did a painting for her on her last day. This was Becky's dream come true. She stayed on at the zoo working in the rides department as a supervisor for the next three years hoping for a zookeeper position to come open. Finally on April 8, 2012 Becky started her new job as a zookeeper! She landed a part time position working with yes the elephants and giraffes! On her first day, she walked through the elephant compound and one of the elephants waved to her. She makes breakfast for the animals every morning, she shovels lots of poo, and says all they do is eat and poo! But she loves it. She makes popsicles for the elephants out of gatoraide poured into buckets and fruits and veggies added then frozen! When she feeds the giraffes in the mornings she gives them a hug! She also is in charge of caring for 7 flamingos. I asked her if they had names and she said no but she named them. I asked her the names and she said . . . Dopey, Sneezy, Doc, Sleepy, etc. you get it! We are very proud of you Becky!! Congrats!