And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned-as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals. Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home. If neglected, the creatures will rampage-or die-so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons' uncertain ancestral memories. The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic. If neglected, the creatures will rampage-or die-so it is decreed that Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies.
Smith hopes to continue working at the Ark and eventually become a fulltime employee in the reptile department.Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies. It’s going to take an act of God to get me out of here,” said Smith.
“I always wanted to be a missionary and a zookeeper, and I wondered how I could do both. Malone was uniquely positioned as a place to help Smith connect her growth in her faith and her preparation for a future career in a way that was vital to her current success. “Our team at the Ark is very close-knit and supportive, so it was an easy transition from a place like Malone, which is already a small, supportive community,” said Smith. Not only does Smith feed, care for, and train a number of reptiles, but she also works with hoofstock and arachnids when the team needs her to. “It really helped me understand all sides of scientific debate and, as a result, I can have beneficial conversations with people no matter where they fall.” “Our creation and evolution class was awesome,” Smith said. Not only did Malone offer practical, hands-on classes, but also classes that emphasized communication and dialogue. “I use these skills everyday when I work at the Ark.” “I’m able to take a multitude of skills and lessons learned at Malone, like conducting research, animal training experience, and animal husbandry and put them into practical use,” said Smith. They’re awesome, and I get to experience the beauty of God’s creation every day,” said Smith.Įven though reptiles are harder to care for due to their specific needs, Smith has no problem rising to the challenge. I can’t really explain why I love reptiles so much, but I just do. I’m working with a tegu right now, teaching it to go to targets and climb up my arm. “A lot of people don’t know this, but reptiles are actually very trainable. This title fits Smith well, as her knowledge and experience with reptiles is apparent. Her lifelong love of reptiles, a love that began at 7 years old after first encountering a komodo dragon, set her up perfectly for her position as a “dragon keeper.”
Also, wanting to be close to home in Deerfield made Malone the perfect choice for Smith.Īfter graduating from Malone's zoo and wildlife biology program, Smith obtained a job at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. They recognize that science and religion are not separate, but they work together,” said Smith.įirst acquainted with Malone through the Zoo Camp, she met many professors and members of the Malone community before starting her college career. “It is really unusual to find a college with a zoology program that is Christian. Pollyanna followed this love and passion for animals to Malone. They encouraged me to research the animals so that I could best care for them, and they trusted me with a lot of responsibility,” said Smith.Īs a result, Smith grew up with a menagerie of animals including the standard fare of dogs and cats, and more unusual offerings like chameleons, bearded dragons, snakes, and even a pony. “I always wanted pets, and my parents were really supportive. It was from a young age that Pollyanna Smith '21 wanted to work with animals.
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