To encourage youngsters to pursue careers in science, park professionals have shared their experiences.
In order to inspire future generations and raise awareness of the role that women play in this profession, Terra Natura Benidorm took part in the events that two schools hosted today in honour of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

While the park’s veterinarian, María Gloria Ribera, visited the Enric Valor high-school in Pego, educators and biologists Esther Sánchez and Alba Bárcena visited the San Blas school in Alicante. In order to encourage girls and young people to pursue professions in science, they have all shared their experiences working as professionals in a nature park and given the students firsthand knowledge of the work done by women in the fields of zoology and species protection.

In her presentation, María Gloria Ribera described the typical day in the life of a zoo veterinarian. She displayed scientific materials, specialised equipment, such as an anaesthetic blowgun and darts, and several skulls of iconic animals, such as the Indian antelope (Antilope cervicapra) and the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), to show her work. The pupils also had the opportunity to see items very interesting, including Indian porcupine quills (Hystrix indica), an emu egg (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and the skin of a king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah).

Biologists Alba Bárcena and Esther Sánchez, for their part, gave the students an explanation of the vital role that science plays in protecting the environment and animal welfare, as well as their work in education and how Terra Natura Benidorm supports initiatives that increase awareness of biodiversity and species conservation.

By bringing science into the classroom and showcasing the work of its specialists, Terra Natura Benidorm reinforces its dedication to education, scientific dissemination, and equitable chances. “It is crucial for girls and young women to see female role models in science and learn that they can develop their future in this field,” the participants said in this regard. These events are a fantastic way to help students understand the realities of our line of work.