In July 2023, I embarked on a thrilling adventure to Tenerife, where I had the incredible opportunity to undertake an internship with the Max-Planck-Institute at the Animal Embassy of Loro Parque, nestled near Puerto de la Cruz. This internship was a pivotal moment in my academic and personal journey, offering me a unique chance to dive deep into the world of behavioral research. Under the expert guidance of Auguste Bayern, I had the privilege of working with a diverse range of parrot species across various research projects, as well as gaining hands-on experience with the daily tasks of a research lab.
During my stay in the Canary Islands, my home base was the Puerto Nest Hostel, situated in Punta Brava, a charming village separated from Puerto by three picturesque beaches. This hostel became my sanctuary and added an extra layer of charm to my adventure. It was here that I not only honed my research skills but also experienced profound personal growth.
My journey began with a tinge of trepidation. After landing in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife (which is a part of Spain and is located in close proximity to Morocco), the reality of being on my own hit me. Initially, it was a daunting feeling. However, this apprehension was soon replaced by excitement during my 1.5-hour cab ride to the hostel. The lush, vibrant vegetation and the occasional sight of the magnificent Teide volcano emerging from the persistent northern clouds left me in awe and anticipation of what lay ahead.
My accommodation at the hostel struck a perfect balance between coziness and practicality. I was housed in a female dorm with four beds, ingeniously designed to optimize space. The presence of curtains provided a semblance of privacy, although the window allowed passersby to observe my slumber, adding a unique touch to the experience. My initial tendency to overpack, driven by panic, made the small drawer under my bed inadequate for my belongings, a lesson in packing lightly that I learned the hard way.
The staff at the hostel, primarily international volunteers, welcomed me with open arms. We delighted in sampling various international delicacies, from Brazilian handmade sweets to homemade supercookies. Evenings were filled with camaraderie, as we ventured out for excursions, engaged in game nights, and enjoyed impromptu music sessions with the guitar. This diverse community of travelers introduced me to captivating individuals from all walks of life. We practiced yoga together, played volleyball on the beach, and indulged in sunset picnics by the sea. A particularly memorable experience was when two fellow travelers invited me to join them on a trip to Teide National Park, leading to an unforgettable night of stargazing followed by a challenging 7-hour trek to the summit of the volcano. It was an adventure etched in my memory forever.
Despite these thrilling adventures, the bulk of my time was dedicated to my internship. A typical day commenced between 9 and 9:30 am when I entered Loro Parque through the staff entrance. Loro Parque, though vast and diverse like a zoo, had a distinctive focus on parrots, evident from its name („Loro“ means parrot in Spanish). Each day began with the responsibility of feeding over 60 parrots. The task was not for the faint-hearted, as these intelligent birds could be quite protective of their food. Convincing a sizable green parrot to relinquish its meal without resorting to biting or attacking my shoes required finesse. An additional challenge was ensuring none of them slipped out of the aviary entrance, making it one of the most exhilarating experiences of my internship.
The remainder of my day was occupied with various lab tasks, including the meticulous cleaning of aviaries and the crafting of stimulating toys to keep the parrots engaged and mentally sharp. Some tasks even involved freezing seeds within ice cubes, a creative strategy to prevent the parrots from becoming bored. However, the most captivating aspect of my internship was conducting experiments, particularly training parrots to learn social copying mechanisms. Training these intelligent and sometimes cheeky birds proved to be a formidable challenge, with rewards dispensed in the form of seeds. I couldn’t help but admire their beaks, which could appear quite intimidating, adding an element of excitement to our training sessions.
During my time in Tenerife, I uncovered a few truths about myself. Firstly, I discovered that I am not particularly skilled at grocery shopping. Initially, I purchased an abundance of potatoes and onions, but to my chagrin, I rarely used them, often opting for meals at the Loro Parque restaurant and simple cabbage salads. This experience taught me the importance of thoughtful meal planning and shopping, taking into account both accessibility and storage. Furthermore, I realized the significance of choosing the right accommodation, as the ever-changing atmosphere of the hostel could be overwhelming at times. Lastly, planning leisure activities in advance became crucial, as there were moments when I found myself unsure of how to make the most of my free time.
In conclusion, my time in Tenerife was an incredibly enriching experience, one that I wholeheartedly recommend to any adventurous soul. The island, with its breathtaking Anaya National Park and the awe-inspiring Teide volcano, offered a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. It was a journey of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories, and I am immensely grateful for every moment of it.