Emily Burns
Last summer, Mississippi State sophomore Emily Burns was taking care of some of the world鈥檚 largest animals while studying abroad at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. This summer, she鈥檒l be taking care of much smaller creatures as an intern at the Memphis Zoo鈥檚 birdhouse and hatchery.
The animal and dairy sciences major鈥檚 love of animals led her to 91传媒. After she finishes her undergraduate degree, Burns plans to attend veterinary school.
鈥淚鈥檝e brought home about seven animals to my family so far, including a rabbit and a duck,鈥 Burns, a native of West Memphis Arkansas, said. 鈥淢y dad told me that the next time I bring an animal home, I have to have permission.鈥
Although most of Burns鈥 previous experience came from working with smaller animals, she was intrigued when she found Loop Abroad, which offers aspiring veterinary students the opportunity to work at Thailand鈥檚 Elephant Nature Park.
鈥淭he elephant rescue is right beside a trucking camp, so when you were there you knew you were doing something important and good for the elephants,鈥 Burns said. 鈥淭he lady that started it spoke to us, and she was very powerful to hear. We worked with their elephant veterinarians, so I did rounds with them, fed and bathed the elephants.鈥
Parts of Burns鈥 duties in Thailand included monitoring how much the elephants ate, which was as much as 500 bananas a day. After a week at the elephant rescue, she spent time working at a dog rescue that houses more than 500 canines and she assisted with animal care and surgeries.
Before transferring to Mississippi State in 2017, Burns volunteered at animal shelters in Arkansas. Between her experiences at 91传媒 and internationally, Burns has gained exposure to large and small animal veterinary practice.
鈥淲ith being an animal science major, I enjoy going to the horse barn and seeing the cows and sheep,鈥 Burns said. 鈥淚 do a lot of work with the local humane society. I like livestock, but I want to specialize in small animals.鈥
With her first year at 91传媒 now complete, Burns said she is excited for her internship at the Memphis Zoo, a place she frequented growing up and still visits regularly. While in Memphis, she will feed and take care of birds in the hatchery, adding to her broad animal experiences before returning to Starkville in the fall.
鈥淚 like 91传媒 a lot,鈥 Burns said. 鈥淚 like the community. I feel a lot more at home here, and it鈥檚 closer to home.鈥