Simon McGlary
Well-Known Member
Seems a bit dramatic an introduction but let me introduce myself and all will become clear.
I'm 45 and single, lived in Kirkcaldy all my life, love rock music and always had a deep respect of animals.
I also have a history of depression and following my last severe low which led me to being hospitalised my passon for animals was ignited
My sister siggested I get a pet to keep me company and, after a lot of research, I settled on a hamster. Well reasoned decision making led to the purchase of a Syrian hamster. I was worse at night, especially on my own, I live in a one bedroom flat, I'm out at work all day and there are lots of cats nearby. This ruled out the more common dogs and cats.
As always with me I wanted to find out more about hamsters in general. I now have three Syrians and 2 Russian dwarves, all in larger than essential cages.
Last May I took out a membership at Edinburgh Zoo and by September I was going very regularly. So much so one of the Education Officers mentioned that I should become a volunteer.
Volunteers at Edinburgh Zoo are all through the education section and doesn't involve contact with the animals. Instead it promotes conservation and hopefully adds to the visitor experience but giving people more information about the animals or helping them find places in the zoo.
I have got so passionate about it I'm there every Saturday, doing a volunteer shift every second weekend or for special events.
I've learnt so much about the work of zoos and even more about animals in general. Learning about animals and the evolutionary process has taught me so much about myself as well I feel I am in much more in control of my depression.
I go to a lot of the other events such as evening talks and the whole experience has helped me relax more. I stress less and am much less self analytical. Watching animals instinctive behaviours has helped there.
We need animals more than they need us. I feel privileged to do any kind of voluntary work that promotes the wonder that is the animal world.
I'm 45 and single, lived in Kirkcaldy all my life, love rock music and always had a deep respect of animals.
I also have a history of depression and following my last severe low which led me to being hospitalised my passon for animals was ignited
My sister siggested I get a pet to keep me company and, after a lot of research, I settled on a hamster. Well reasoned decision making led to the purchase of a Syrian hamster. I was worse at night, especially on my own, I live in a one bedroom flat, I'm out at work all day and there are lots of cats nearby. This ruled out the more common dogs and cats.
As always with me I wanted to find out more about hamsters in general. I now have three Syrians and 2 Russian dwarves, all in larger than essential cages.
Last May I took out a membership at Edinburgh Zoo and by September I was going very regularly. So much so one of the Education Officers mentioned that I should become a volunteer.
Volunteers at Edinburgh Zoo are all through the education section and doesn't involve contact with the animals. Instead it promotes conservation and hopefully adds to the visitor experience but giving people more information about the animals or helping them find places in the zoo.
I have got so passionate about it I'm there every Saturday, doing a volunteer shift every second weekend or for special events.
I've learnt so much about the work of zoos and even more about animals in general. Learning about animals and the evolutionary process has taught me so much about myself as well I feel I am in much more in control of my depression.
I go to a lot of the other events such as evening talks and the whole experience has helped me relax more. I stress less and am much less self analytical. Watching animals instinctive behaviours has helped there.
We need animals more than they need us. I feel privileged to do any kind of voluntary work that promotes the wonder that is the animal world.
