During my STEP Signature Project I went to Ireland for the Human and Animal Interaction study abroad. During this we focused on viewing different settings with human and animals interacting such as zoos, swine facilities, and much more. By attending different activities and places around the country I can now compare and contrast the differences in human and animal interaction I have seen in Ireland from the ones in the United States. 

One understanding that was learned through traveling on my study abroad was there are so many people in the world who have different cultures, activities, and lifestyles. I knew this before leaving however, only when I came to Ireland did I truly understand the scope of what those words actually meant. Ireland is a large place for immigration and emigration, so it was very interesting to see/talk to all the different people from around the world here. This is the same as the United States, but Ireland is much smaller and thus you’re more observant of all the people around you. 

One other viewpoint that has changed is I think the culture and society values around human and animal interactions especially in zoo settings need to change. This is because when in Ireland at the FOTA Wildlife Center and the Dublin Zoo I noticed the treatment and care the animals received was exceptional compared to the United States. The animals were allowed to choose if they wanted to be on display, they had an enormous amount of enrichment activities, displayed natural and wild behaviors, and their habitats were comparable to what you would naturally find them in. Also, the animals looked happier and were more active which was a good change to see. 

Relating back to my understanding of culture and lifestyle of the Irish is due to all the activities that we encountered. For example, the first activity related to human and animal interaction was visiting the Dublin Dog Trust. This was a dog shelter and they took in a lot of animals. When you first walk in they do not have any large breed dogs which fits because everyone here lives in small apartments and would not be suitable for large dogs. Also, they have a ban on certain breed dogs, usually the larger breeds. I also noticed the amount of people they had was much larger than the United States. Along with the time they emphasize each dog’s needs. The Irish culture and lifestyle can be very easily understood by simply looking at these small differences through human and animal interactions. 

Another large impact that changed my understanding was through attending the immigration museum. This museum focused on explaining Irish history from its beginning until its current history. We walked through different rooms and had live videos explaining exactly what happened in each time period. By walking through rooms with each time period it put into perspective how much Ireland has gone through and still is today. Particularly it grew my understanding of how much immigration and emigration occurred and still goes on today. The amount of impact the Irish have around the world is very large including their impact on heritages. This is the reason my understanding for the culture and their lifestyle has changed to a better viewpoint than before. 

Especially when looking back to the reason for my viewpoint changing around how zoo animals should be treated comes down to two main interactions. One is through the FOTA wildlife center. These animals have exceptional care through many staff members looking after them. Specific formulated diets every single day based on what they require. Their housing was catered to what they need/want. For example the giraffes had access to their house in the winter to get out of the cold because naturally they are from a warmer climate. In the summer they are put into a large pasture with many other animals that they get along with. This allowed them to exhibit their wild behaviors and keep a positive human and animal interaction with the public that come and visit. Then when we went to the Dublin zoo I noticed all the animals again were very lively and in correct enclosures that promoted natural behaviors. By doing positive human and animal interactions and providing exceptional care the animals were much more active and happy to be where they are. This all changed the way I think United States zoos should change their enclosures to be less of a display for animals and more of a conservation effort and protect the wild instincts of all the animals. This in the end will create a better living space and social life for all the animals in zoos and wildlife centers. 

By expanding on different cultures, lifestyles, human and animal interactions, etc I have been giving a new lens to look through in many situations I may face in the future. As a person who wants to become a veterinarian experiencing different societies and human and animal interactions allows me to have an open mind. More importantly I have seen different ways of accomplishing the same thing. This can allow me to make new suggestions to improve welfare among all different types of animals. One day this experience may lead to me to find a solution because I’ve seen it work here in Ireland. Overall, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore, experience new things, and gain knowledge that will lead me to excel professionally and academically.