By Aaron Shaykevich, Editor-in-Chief
Each month, the YU Observer aims to highlight one club available to the YU undergraduate community. For the October 2023 edition, the YU Observer is highlighting the Zoology Club.
Club Name: The Zoology Club
Head(s): Gila Kalman, President. Tova Miller, Vice President.
Relevant Campus(es): Beren and Wilf
What is your club’s mission statement?: “The Zoology Club is dedicated to the furthering of an appreciation and education of the animal world in our lives, both in the Torah and the Mada.”
Why is this club important?: Our club plays an important role among the student body, by not only allowing animal lovers to come together in a welcoming space, but also by educating students about the animal world. We hope to create a respect for animals and a desire to protect them.
What inspired you to get involved in/start the club?: Gila: I have always loved animals, and I am involved in wildlife rehabilitation – something which I intend to make my career. When I found out about the Zoology Club and met its founder, Yitzchak Tollinsky, I knew I had to join. This club embodies so much of my personality, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
What are some plans you have for this semester/future semesters?: We plan, of course, to continue past events such as our zoo, museum, and aquarium trips. Aside from these and other fun trips, we hope to facilitate more interaction with animals. Something we would really like to do is give students the chance to work with an animal rehabilitation facility for a day. We will likely also host educational speeches by animal experts.
What is your advice to someone looking to get involved on campus?: One of the best ways to get involved is to meet people and join clubs. The more people you know and the more clubs you join, the more events you will find out about. Additionally, when you meet new people you may find people with similar interests and goals. This is a great way to create your own little community and start your own initiatives.
Anything else to say about your club: Join our group chat! We want to see pictures of your pets!