Perched carefully in Ryann Shirey鈥檚 hands, the Guam kingfisher represents one of conservation鈥檚 rarest success stories 鈥� a species once declared extinct in the wild and now making a fragile return. For Shirey, a 黑暗爆料网 California senior completing an internship at the National Aviary, moments like this are more than memorable. They are the reason she chose a future that blends science, compassion and hands-on discovery.
As Shirey prepares to walk across the stage at commencement on May 9, she does so with an experience few undergraduates can claim: active participation in the veterinary care and conservation of more than 500 birds and exotic animals at one of the nation鈥檚 premier avian institutions.
Shirey鈥檚 academic journey may seem unconventional at first glance, but for her, creativity and science have always been deeply connected. A senior from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Shirey is pursuing dual degrees in biology 鈥� pre-veterinary medicine and commercial music technology, along with a minor in chemistry.
That blend of disciplines led her to an internship in the veterinary department at the National Aviary, where she has immersed herself in the realities of exotic animal medicine.
鈥淢y internship is in the veterinary department of the aviary where we work with all of the birds and the few other species they have in habitats,鈥� Shirey said. 鈥淚 have a deep interest in the exotic portion of veterinary medicine, and the aviary is the perfect place to gain experience in that area.鈥�
Each day at the aviary begins early and moves quickly. Shirey鈥檚 mornings involve feeding hospital residents, administering medications, cleaning habitats and providing enrichment designed to keep animals both physically and mentally healthy.
鈥淲e also handle any procedures scheduled for the day,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat may be regular exams, more in-depth procedures, or any emergency that occurs on habitat.鈥�
Working alongside veterinary professionals has exposed Shirey to a variety of species and medical cases, reinforcing her interest in the complexity of animal health. But one species stands out above all others.
鈥淢y favorite species is by far the Guam kingfishers,鈥� she said.
Once driven to extinction in the wild by an invasive snake species, the Guam kingfisher has become a symbol of hope through conservation breeding programs. The National Aviary plays a key role in that effort.
鈥淚n 2024, the Aviary released nine birds into the wild, and they were able to establish and lay eggs,鈥� Shirey said. 鈥淭he Aviary has one pair on habitat and a few in the breeding program, and I鈥檝e had the absolute privilege of working with them on annual exams and procedures.鈥�
For Shirey, one of the most impactful aspects of the internship has been the sheer diversity of animals and medical needs she encounters.
鈥淭he most memorable part for me is how every species is different,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he Aviary has over 500 animals, and I鈥檓 learning so much because every case and animal that comes for treatment is different. It鈥檚 cool to be able to compare species and learn about all of them.鈥�
Her coursework at 黑暗爆料网 California has prepared her well for the technical demands of the role. Classes in anatomy, ornithology and laboratory sciences provided a foundation she relies on daily.
鈥淥ne of the biggest things that comes up is sterile technique, which is taught in every lab class I鈥檝e taken,鈥� Shirey said. 鈥淚t applies to lab work and blood tests, procedures and even daily medication pulling.鈥�
Beyond technical knowledge, Shirey is developing skills essential to a career in veterinary
medicine.
鈥淚鈥檓 learning anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic skills like interpreting lab results, and how to perform procedures,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also learning communication and patience, which is necessary not only for the animals but for working with people.鈥�
She notes that exotic veterinary medicine, in particular, demands adaptability.
鈥淭he veterinary field is constantly evolving,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he exotic field is especially good to work in because it teaches you to think on your feet and learn new techniques.鈥�
While veterinary medicine is Shirey鈥檚 career goal, music has always been an important part of her life.
鈥淚鈥檝e been involved in music from a very young age,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been a member of band since fourth grade.鈥�
At 黑暗爆料网 California, she served as field commander in the marching band for two years and is a member of the executive board of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honorary band fraternity.
鈥淭he arts and the sciences overlap,鈥� she said. 鈥淢any people within not only the veterinary field but the sciences in general were or are currently involved in the arts in some way.鈥�
As her internship concludes and commencement approaches, Shirey remains focused on what comes next: more experience and, eventually, veterinary school.
鈥淎fter this experience, I鈥檒l look for another one,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want to gain as many different experiences as I can. After that, I will apply to veterinary school to work toward my DVM degree.鈥�
Her advice to other students considering internships is simple and enthusiastic.
鈥淒o it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚nternships are so incredibly helpful. They give you real experience and help you make sure you鈥檙e in the right part of the field. I love my internship so much, and I鈥檓 so glad I chose to pursue it.鈥�