Josh Hestermann - Zoology for Kids. Understanding and Working with Animals, with 21 Activities

2015 by Josh Hestermann and Bethanie Hestermann

Foreword 2015 by Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt

All rights reserved

First edition

Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61374-961-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hestermann, Josh, 1983

Zoology for kids : understanding and working with animals : with 21 activities / Josh and Bethanie Hestermann. First edition.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Audience: Ages 9 and up.

ISBN 978-1-61374-961-6

1. ZoologyJuvenile literature. 2. ZoologyStudy and teachingActivity programs. 3. Zoology Vocational guidanceJuvenile literature.

I. Hestermann, Bethanie, 1986- II. Title.

QL49.H54 2015

590dc23

2014042745

Cover and interior design: Sarah Olson

Cover images: (front cover top, left to right) penguin exhibit, courtesy of ZSL London Zoo; koala, courtesy of Tampas Lowry Park Zoo / Dave Parkinson; clownfish and an angelfish, istock.com / 101cats; bottle feeding a baby addax antelope, courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society / Jim Schulz; pygmy marmoset, istock.com / GlobalP; (front cover bottom, left to right) zebra, courtesy of Mark Gonka; boy with salamander, istock.com / MissHibiscus; butterfly, courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society / Jim Schulz; polar bear exhibit, courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society / Jim Schulz; (back cover, left to right) poison dart frog, courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society / Jim Schulz; western lowland gorilla, courtesy of ZSL London Zoo; bird of paradise, courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo / Dennis Dow Activity illustrations: Jim Spence

Printed in the United States of America

5 4 3 2 1

In loving memory of Sheren Clements.

photo: authors collection

Index

Courtesy of the Kratt Brothers

C alling all creature-crazy kids!

Theres so much to learn about animals, and this book, Zoology for Kids, is a great way for you and all of your animal-loving friends to jump right into the world of zoology.

Animals are all around us, and that means that the science of zoology is right there for you to studyany day and any time you see an animal! Ever since we were kids, weve been fascinated by cool creatures, and we started creature adventuring in our very own backyard. Today, we spend our time traveling the world, learning more about our fellow creatures, and sharing what we learn with kids just like you. We hope you get started on your own personal study of zoology by trying the fun and eye-opening activities in this book.

Use Zoology for Kids as a resource to learn as much as you can, then share what youve learned with all your friends. Follow your dreams and soon enough, youll be having creature adventures around your neighborhood todayand around the world tomorrow!

Keep on creature adventuring, and well see you on the creature trail!

Your friends,

M ARTIN KRATT AND CHRIS KRATT

Creators and stars of Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts

M y journey as a zoologist began when I was just 11 years old. At the time, I didnt even know what a zoologist was! I remember taking a trip across the country from my home state of Arizona to the Midwest to visit Chicagos Brookfield Zoo. It was during this trip that I first told my mom I wanted to work with animals when I grew up. I never gave up on that dream.

Pursuing a career as a zoologist is hard work! There are lots of people who love animals and want to make a career out of working with them. It was thanks to several years of dedication and support from my family and friends that I made it. Ive worked with some wonderful animals along the wayfrom giraffe, wallabies, and lemurs to parrots, alligators, and pythons. I even had the privilege of working at Brookfield Zoo, the very same place I visited when I was just 11 years old. While there, I helped take care of bottlenose dolphins, gray seals, harbor seals, and my favorite animalsCalifornia sea lions. Today, I get to go to work every day at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where I take care of sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, penguins, and other species.

Over the years Ive also worked with hundreds of talented zoologists who love animals, just like me. Every day, kids like you come up to me and ask what it takes to be a zoologist. I cant help but smile and remember it wasnt so long ago that I was in your shoes. My wife, Bethanie, and I decided to write this book because we think there is so much beauty in the world and its important to understand, respect, appreciate, and enjoy it. Since we also share a love for education and learning, we put our heads together to create Zoology for Kids.

As you read this book, we hope it helps you feel more connected with the animal kingdom. You will learn the ins and outs of zoology, but most of all, you will learn what you can do to be part of this communitya community that works every day to preserve and protect this amazing world we call home.

J OSH H ESTERMANN, coauthor

G rowing up in my family meant hiking through deserts and canyons, pitching a tent and camping high up in the mountains, and even riding waves on the California coast. When I was outside, I felt happy and free. I didnt know it then, but my appreciation for the natural world was the beginning of my journey as a zoologist.

Then, I married a zookeeper. Joshs love for animals and my love for natural places went together like a fruit bat and a fig tree. (Dont get that comparison yet? You will!) In other words, we made a good team. Together, we more fully began to understand the unique and complicated relationship humans have with the other animals that share Planet Earth.

As a writer, I am living proof that no matter what your talents are, you can find a way to participate in and contribute to the zoology community. Through Zoology for Kids, Josh and I hope to not only encourage your curious mind but to inspire you to go for itwhatever it is for you. Whether youre a budding scientist, an amateur photographer, or a young poet, use your strengths to showcase what you love, to educate others, and to make a difference.

B ETHANIE H ESTERMANN, coauthor

Bethanie and Josh Hestermann pose with Zuma, a male California sea lion. Courtesy of Mark Gonka