25 time a jaguar had to undergo dental surgery for a root canal. “My favorite part of working at the zoo is seeing the effect our animals and education have on our visitors,” Mr. Zone says—though things don’t always go as planned. In 2013 the zoo added a giraffe, the world’s tallest land animal. The giraffe managed to get out of its fenced area a few times and once, with its long neck providing a reach, gently picked up a girl by her shirt collar. No one was hurt, and the giraffe area was then made more secure, Mr. Zone says. Elmwood Park Zoo recently took the step of becoming a certified autism center. Mr. Zone says that zoos can be uncomfortable for people with autism, who are often sensitive to loud noises and unexpected sounds and movements. The entire zoo staff is now trained on what autism is and how to be helpful to these visitors. The zoo has a designated quiet area where people with autism can go to relax. Mr. Zone says there are a lot of animals around the world that are in danger of becoming extinct, including elephants, rhinos, and even box turtles. He encourages children to “be a champion—get out there and talk to as many people as you can about the importance of conservation.” Mr. Zone also advises kids “to continue to believe in something bigger than we are. Continue to believe that everything you do affects someone somewhere that you might not even be aware of.” “Each and every one of us can help with tomorrow.” —By Healthy Panther staff Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy Illustration by Sarah Dewane-Malonoski, sixth grade, East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin