This summer, I starred in my own version of How to Train Your Dragon while interning at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Maryland. As an Animal and Education Technician intern, I supported both the education team, which designs and hosts programs for toddlers, school groups, and summer camps, and the husbandry team, which is responsible for caring for the museum’s 30 animals and their exhibits.

As the summer progressed, my main project became caring for Bailey, a two-year-old bearded dragon who is undergoing rehabilitation. Bailey is a rescue that came to the museum with severe neurological issues due to toxic exposure. While working with Bailey, I discovered her sassy personality and love of classic rock, and in the process, was reminded of the power of connection with nature, people, and even dragons.

Welcome to the Delmarva Peninsula

I was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which is part of the Delmarva Peninsula. The term “Delmarva” refers to the area between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and includes most of Delaware as well as the Eastern Shore counties of Maryland and Virginia. Nearly one-fifth of Maryland is covered by water, and Maryland’s waterways are a critical part of the state’s economy, recreation, and tourism. The Delmarva Discovery Museum sits on the banks of the Pocomoke River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay known for its deep, “black” water.

The museum is leading the charge for connecting Maryland’s youngest residents with the Delmarva Peninsula’s natural and cultural heritage through education and exploration. Visitors of all ages leave the museum with a deeper appreciation of how the region’s ecosystem and biodiversity shaped its people and history and, hopefully, a better understanding of why the ecosystem must be preserved. The museum is home to historical exhibits about indigenous peoples, boat building, oyster pirates, and bird decoys in addition to environmental exhibits featuring the area’s bald cypress swamp and the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish that live there.

Making Connections Through Animal Encounters

The Delmarva Discovery Museum’s educational programming is key to its success. The education team is constantly developing engaging animal and discovery programs for children ages 2 to 18. The museum’s ambassador animals play an important role in the presentation of these programs. Story times, hands-on activities, and STEM challenges often focus on native animals such as horseshoe crabs, turtles, snakes, or otters. While interacting with the museum’s animals, visitors also learn about the animals’ adaptations, food webs, and threats to their species and habitats. My favorite part of working with the education team was assisting with daily “otter talks” featuring the museum’s two North American River Otters, Mac and Tuck. I had the opportunity to feed Mac and Tuck while we educated guests about the otters’ habitat, behaviors, and conservation action plans. Animal encounters like these build guests’ connection and curiosity and can foster their desire to become environmental stewards.

Training a Dragon

The highlight of my internship was training Bailey the bearded dragon. Bailey was brought to the museum in the fall of 2024. When she arrived, she was underweight and dehydrated. She refused to eat and had respiratory and neurological deficiencies due to repeated exposure to THC. Bailey was weak and often struggled to walk or stay upright. She was also hypersensitive to sounds and would become stressed when handled. Because of a loss of depth perception, Bailey became disoriented easily and had difficulty self-feeding and navigating her enclosure.

My friendship with Bailey began on my third Monday of work while I was scrubbing tanks in the animal rehabilitation room. I was listening to music while I cleaned, and the Black Eyed Peas came on. I spotted Bailey with her eyes closed, bopping her head to “Boom Boom Pow.” She was then equally excited about the next song, Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” Over the next few weeks, Bailey and I continued to bond over a shared love of music, and she began responding to my voice and allowing me to hold her.

Because of this growing connection with Bailey, my main supervisor, Terri, the Lead Animal and Education Technician, suggested I become one of Bailey’s primary caregivers. I gave Bailey electrolyte baths, tong fed her, and provided enrichment time to boost her energy and improve her strength. Although Bailey’s condition is irreparable, we were able to see important improvements this summer. She re-learned how to stick her tongue out to take food from the tongs. She built muscle tone in her neck and legs and is able to cling to my clothing and climb the branches in her terrarium. Bailey has become more social and now gets excited when people walk in the room and talk with her. She loves being outside to sunbathe, going on “adventures” around the museum, and interacting with visitors.

The most rewarding part of working with Bailey was getting to learn her personality and preferences. She is incredibly stubborn, which she demonstrates by allowing only certain people to take care of her. She enjoys being misted and perching on my shoulders. She prefers cucumbers and strawberries over carrots and bananas. Most interestingly, of course, is her impeccable taste in music. I was honored that Bailey chose to connect with me, and I knew the best way to respect our connection was by ensuring she was protected and cared for.

Lessons in Leadership

My experience at the Delmarva Discovery Museum was incredible because of my supervisor, Terri. Terri is knowledgeable, adaptable, and passionate, and she provided me with many opportunities to learn and grow. She taught me how to care for the animals and their exhibits, modeled grace under pressure, and empowered me to step out of my comfort zone. I have never been comfortable around snakes and lizards, yet by the end of the summer, I was no longer afraid to handle Cornelius and Piggy, the corn snakes, and I became Bailey’s new best friend. I appreciate that Terri included me in problem-solving sessions when we encountered challenges and that she delegated responsibilities so I could learn by doing. Because of the connection Terri built with me, she inspired me to embrace her passion for quality animal care and for effective conservation and sustainability practices.

The lessons from this summer will serve me well when I am teaching in a secondary science classroom. I will remember the importance of being flexible and innovative, providing hands-on opportunities for exploration, fostering relationships, and being passionate about what I do. I am grateful for these lessons, the staff who encouraged me, and the powerful connections I made at the Delmarva Discovery Museum.