COSAM News Articles 2019 October COSAM Senior Prepares for Career as Zookeeper

COSAM Senior Prepares for Career as Zookeeper

Published: 10/15/2019

Over the summer, Auburn University senior Morgan Meeker got up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, lions, and other exotic animals, fueling her desire to one day have a career as a zookeeper.

During her summer internship at the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, Ga., Morgan enjoyed working with many different types of animals in one place. She assisted in preparing diets and enrichment activities for the animals.

“It was really fun,” she said of the internship. “It cemented the idea that I wanted to do zookeeping. Before that I was unsure. I thought it was a good option, but I wanted to get experience to see. But I loved it and it’s definitely what I want to do.”

Originally from Mobile, Ala., Morgan choose to attend school at Auburn because of the prestigious veterinary school, but she later changed her major to study conservation and biodiversity in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM).

“After shadowing at vet clinics over the years, I realized I didn’t like the medical side as much as just working with animals,” she shared. “When I realized I didn’t want to be a vet, I knew I still wanted to work with animals because that’s where my passion lies.”

In addition to her studies, Morgan has volunteered for and has completed an internship with the Auburn University Museum of Natural History, is in the Society for Conservation Biology, and has recently gotten involved with the Association for Women in Science. For fun, she is also a member of the Auburn University Cosplayer’s Association; the club aims to foster and grow the interest and talent of costume design and construction.

She has also been awarded a National Merritt scholarship and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. Morgan said she is proud to be a part of COSAM and feels prepared for starting a career.

“I think all of the professors are really good and I actually find myself using what I learned in the field,” she said. “A lot of knowledge I’ve learned from COSAM classes I was able to use in my internship this summer. It was nice to see the direct application.”