From Mexican Grey Wolves to Blue-Billed Curassow, Jacob Patterson ‘26, saw it all at his internship with Brookfield Zoo through the King Conservation Leadership Academy. 

The volunteer internship started on June 10 and ended Aug. 16, Patterson said. Every weekday, he was at the zoo early for this 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift.

Patterson would sit outside an exhibit, giving presentations to crowds and answering questions from kids.

“I like talking to kids because they’re curious,” Patterson said. “They ask really cool questions about the animals that adults wouldn’t bother to ask.”

Patterson divided his time between two main exhibits: Feathers and Scales, the open aviary, and Reganstine Wolf Woods, which is home to two new pups.

Sometimes, it was really crowded. Other times, it was as if Patterson was the only one at the zoo. Patterson’s favorite exhibit was the Regenstein Wolf Woods. 

“You really get to know all the different personalities of the wolves,” Patterson said. “I learned the cultural significance behind lots of the animals.”

Outside of presentations, Patterson would conduct basic field research, like measuring water purity in the DragonFly Marsh and checking on animal nests. Outside the internship, he would spend time researching the background of his favorite animals, like the Blue-Billed Curassow and Macaws.

Patterson improved his public speaking and social skills but, most importantly, ignited his passion for wildlife. Chris Conner, The Manager of King Conservation Science Scholars at Brookfield Zoo, beared witness to Patteron’s growth. 

“[Patterson was selected for his] willingness to try; [he] really does have an infectious energy and fits in really well with team members,” Conner said. “It was clear he was super knowledgeable and enthusiastic.”

“My favorite part [of the King Internship] is the same every year- meeting the interns, Patterson did not disappoint,” Conner said. 

Patterson learned a lot about himself and the animals. He also learned valuable life lessons, like “conflict resolution, time management, and self-advocating,” College and Career Counselor Cody Dailey said. 

“Internships are great in helping students decide what they want to do as a career,” Dailey said. “Plus, they look amazing on college applications.”

In fact, nearly 90% of universities can now offer academic credit to students interning somewhere as a form of compensation, said ProPublica. 

“[My least favorite part of the internship] probably was just when I wasn’t there,” Patterson said. Patterson will be returning next year to participate in the King Internship.