We walked through the large aviary while he pointed out some of the species they had managed to obtain. It was an impressive enclosure with a large array of birds that I hadn’t seen in person before. I stopped to admire one of the waterfalls in the habitat and he stopped with me. There was a tile mosaic at the bottom that glistened under the water.
“I designed the enclosure when I first arrived about three years ago.”
I didn’t blame him for being proud—it was a beautiful and efficient building. “I like the way you have the feed dishes dispersed. Very natural-looking.”
“Thank you.” He held his hand out to help me from my kneeling position by the water. “I spent a lot of time studying some of the ones in the larger zoos. I really wanted people to feel like they were observing the birds out in the wild. This design is what got me my position.”
“Mission accomplished.” I smiled at him. I was wondering how he had managed to be in charge of so much at such a young age.
“Lilaria has a long relationship with birds, and I was very excited to receive a spot at this zoo. I feel that I can do a lot of good for our avian friends here.” He led us through the exit door and into a small schoolhouse setting. There were models of birds, a poster listing extinct species, and a wall with windows into a nursery type of room where tiny birds hopped around and chirped loudly. There were TVs along the top of the room, showing footage of birds in flight, raptors chasing ever-changing clouds made up of thousands of sparrows. It was an impressive educational tool and obviously directed at getting people interested in birds—especially children.
“The Future Bird Trust helped pay for this building.” Jeremy put his hands on his hips and looked around the room. “There is a heavy emphasis on education.”
“That’s excellent. We need to teach children why it’s so important to preserve what we have.” I watched some of the hatchlings with a smile. I missed the birds.
“It is important, but I feel like we should also reach out to the adults in charge of things now. Otherwise, there won’t be as many birds when the children grow up.” Jeremy stood next to me and stared into the nursery. “I’d like to start a promotion that targets adults.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I have several ideas, including setting up falconry classes and holding events for parties, wedding receptions, and conventions here at the zoo. A set fee would go to the care of the animals, but it would also give us a chance to introduce large and sometimes influential groups to the birds.” He leaned against the glass and looked at me. “I’d also like to run advertisements in the papers and with the news stations. There is a community-sponsored channel that is willing to do a series on birds with the zoo.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Those are all ideas that could work.” I tilted my head in thought. “I’d also say to not underestimate the amount of power a well-educated child has on their parent. I’ve seen a lot of families take up recycling because their children insisted.”
“Oh, we’ll keep the programs we have in place, but I’d like to target the immediate threat directly.” He moved a little closer toward me and I found myself stepping backward to put space between us.
I nodded my head and moved farther away, walking around the little room, taking in the posters and little odds and ends that had been strewn about the room. Becca was watching me closely and had taken a closer spot to where I was standing. I knew she could tell that I had become uncomfortable. Chadwick was checking his watch and raised an eyebrow in my direction.
“May I call you Samantha?” Jeremy followed close behind me and I had to keep from rubbing at my skin. He seemed nice and he was bright, but I had a feeling that he didn’t see me as a human or even as a biologist—he saw me as a means to an end.
“Sure.” I didn’t look at him, instead I motioned toward Chadwick. “Look at this, Chadwick. This is an article my advisor was credited in.”
“Oh? That’s interesting.” Chadwick flipped through the periodical. “He must be very good at his job.”
“Yes. He’s one of the best.”
“I heard you studied with Dr. Geller.” Jeremy looked over Chadwick’s shoulder. Suddenly I had a feeling the periodical had been placed there just for my benefit.
“Yes, I was very lucky.”
“You must have hated giving up that spot.” Jeremy shook his head. “I know how much work goes into that stuff.”
“Yes, it hurt, but I hope to resume my studies in the future.”