Kellie Adkins
Kellie Adkins ‘13, a Captive Wildlife Care & Education Major at Unity College, is working with a halter trained Dromedary camel named Johnny during her summer internship at Black Pine Animal Park, in Albion, Indiana. Kellie has been a volunteer at BPAP for three years. It’s a non-profit organization that exists to give displaced, abused, and retired animals a home. A majority of the animals have come from private homes, where people thought they could keep them as pets. “Our mission at the park is to not only provide a safe refuge for these animals, but to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and reinforce the ideal that wild animals are not pets”, said Adkins.
BPAP is home to over 70 big and small cats, bears, primates, birds, reptiles and other former pets and retired performers. “During my internship, I did basic husbandry for small cats, assisted with large cats, primates, reptiles, hoof-stock, and birds. I also led tours and provided animal enrichment” added Adkins.
“My project was to teach Johnny how to walk on lead and follow basic commands. The park is my heart and I look forward to returning during breaks”.
