Shelby will study wild polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, through the Science Leadership Camp for teens, sponsored by Polar Bears International (PBI).

Hi, everyone!
My passion for animals and conservation has led me to spend a lot of time volunteering at the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. For three years I participated in a program at the Zoo called Zoo Corps, where teens ages 13 to 17 have the opportunity to teach the public about animals and the environment. I have learned so much through this program, which in turn has helped my confidence and public speaking skills.

This past year I switched over to the Wild Animal Park to be in a similar program called Conservation Corps. Along with teaching the public, we also got hands-on experience in the field of conservation. Many people have asked, “Do you get paid for doing that?” Though we do not get paid, we get a priceless experience. Both of these terrific programs have set the foundation for using the knowledge I will receive at the PBI Science Leadership Camp and giving to the public.

Ever since I received the phone call informing me that I was selected to participate in the PBI Science Leadership Camp, I have had a huge smile on my face that hasn’t gone away! Words cannot describe how thankful I am to the San Diego Zoo for selecting me as their Arctic Ambassador. One portion of the Camp I am looking forward to is the sense of global community. I can’t wait to meet all the other students who are around my age and who care for the environment as well. Also, I hope to get a greater sense of global warming and gain tons of knowledge in order to inform the public. Throughout this Camp I will be very busy, not only with learning about the warming Arctic and the impact on the polar bears, but also with being in a documentary.

The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) TV show, Country Canada, will be taping my journey. This documentary will hopefully entertain but also enlighten millions of people to the plight of polar bears and educate them to the very real dangers of greenhouse gases and the effects on our environment.

With the amount of people I hope to reach out to, along with my fellow Arctic Ambassadors from around the globe, I do believe that all of us can change the world. We are the next generation, and I believe we will make a difference. I can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Shelby S. is the San Diego Zoo’s Arctic Ambassador.

Watch the Zoo’s polar bears daily on Polar Cam.

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