【Recognizing Urban Values: Environmental Resilience and the Essence of Life】
In the early morning at the zoo, sunlight streamed across the lawns, while birdsong and the gentle sounds of animals blended into a natural symphony. The Taipei youth embarked on their daily journey into nature: from tending plants and trees to observing animal behavior, each activity deepened their understanding of the natural world. Every corner of the zoo reflected the staff’s care and dedication to both animals and the environment. This experience was not only an unforgettable lesson in nature for the Taipei youth but also a precious opportunity to witness the beauty of the earth.
As part of the 2025 Taipei Youth Overseas Internship Program,three Taipei youth visited the Oklahoma City Zoo. Here, they share the highlights and insights from their journey—let’s explore their reflections and inspirations
🎯Seeing Green Cycles and Life Resilience Through Plant Care
⚖️Manual Work and Ecological Balance: To maintain an eco-friendly environment, most weeds in the horticulture department are removed by hand, with minimal use of chemicals. This seemingly monotonous labor taught the youth that small, consistent actions can yield surprisingly impactful results.
⚖️A Model of Resource Recycling: OKC Zoo perfectly demonstrates mutual benefits between landscaping and ecology. Many trees and shrubs in the park not only enhance the scenery but also serve as food for animals like gorillas and giraffes. Animal waste and park refuse are sent to partner companies for processing, transforming them into fertile soil and compost, creating a sustainable cycle.
⚖️The Power of Original Intent: The youth were deeply inspired when visiting the waste-processing partner company. The staff passionately shared that the company’s mission is to create jobs for the community, showing them a force beyond words: “Real change often begins in the most unassuming places.”
"In both work and daily life, communication was basically all in English, which naturally forced me to speak a language I’m not used to. Being fully immersed in an English-speaking environment made me realize how much I still need to improve. I feel the area where I’ve progressed the most is in speaking, and I’ve learned that just being willing to speak is giving yourself a learning opportunity!" — Jay
"Living like the grass—that might be my deepest reflection on this month in Oklahoma. Striving to make the most of each day, focusing on work and rest, and carefully tending to the little corner of the world around me, being both gentle and resilient in the face of challenges. Perhaps at this age, I’m not yet drawn to such a steady life, still eager to chase the unknown and prove myself in new ways. Yet this experience has given me a fresh understanding and imagination of the essence of life." — Zoe
"Without this visit, I would never have gained the insights into zoos, botanical gardens, and animal welfare that I now have, and I hope to put the knowledge I gained to good use." — Emily
🎯Living Like a Local: The Warmth of Bus Drivers and the “3 PM Off” Philosophy
The kindness and friendliness of Oklahoma residents left a lasting impression on the Taipei youth. Notably, bus drivers would notice where they got off and even detour to a stop closer to the zoo, saving them a short walk.
Additionally, because horticulture work typically starts early in the morning to avoid the heat, employees usually finish work around 3 PM. This strong emphasis on work-life balance gives staff ample personal time for exercise, errands, or rest.
They used these afternoons to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum, gaining a deep appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the people who have endured tremendous hardships in this land.