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Students Reporting From Jungala

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - The tigers dived for meat, orangutans gestured for food, and a snake got up close and personal.

Most of the participating students agreed that High School Journalism Day at Busch Gardens is more exciting than their typical classroom assignments.

Although most high school reporters write about school tests, cafeteria lunches and sports scores, these students got a chance to preview the theme park's new exhibit. Busch Gardens officials led 35 students on a private tour of Jungala, the newest part of the park.

Students witnessed Bengal tigers diving in water for meat during feeding time. They also watched trainers interact with orangutans and got to pet a snake.

The journalists wasted no time capturing the moments of the day. Newspaper reporters scribbled notes, while television reporters filmed interviews with Busch Gardens officials.

Wharton High student Jessica Lettiero snapped numerous photos of the animals and stilt performers for her newspaper. Plant High student Kelley Chapman said she enjoyed the experience.

"I've never been to anything like this," she said. "It's a great opportunity for us to see the animals up close so we can write stories about them."
Busch Gardens spokeswoman Aimee Jeansonne-Becka said the park hosts Journalism Day to give students real-life experiences.

"It allows them the opportunity to be in a situation where they can conduct interviews and take pictures and video like journalists do," she said. "Teachers tell us all the time they love the event because it gives the students an experience they can't get in the classroom."

The event also allows Busch Gardens to get its messages to a high school audience. Bob Morrison, an animal care specialist for Jungala, explained the various summer camp programs to the students.

"If you have an interest in working with animals someday, it's a great program to attend," he said. "Three of my co-workers got their start as campers."

Osceola High student Lindsay Scott said she expects to get an interesting story for her high school morning show.

"Students love Busch Gardens, and they love the animals, so I think they will be really interested in this," she said.

To see the stories produced by Tampa Bay Technical High students, go to www.northeast.tbo.com. Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com. To see the stories produced by Tampa Bay Technical High students, go to www.nor

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