Z – Zachary (Zookeeper, Working with Endangered Species)

I’ve always loved animals. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to work with them, especially those at risk of extinction. But lately, the weight of it all has been wearing on me. We’re losing species every day, and no matter how hard I work, it never feels like enough. The stress of trying to save these animals, the pressure from the public, and the reality that some species might be gone before we can do anything about it—sometimes, it’s just too much. Last week, after a particularly difficult day, I went to the quietest part of the zoo, where the elephants live. I sat there in the grass and prayed, 'God, give me the strength to continue. Help me remember why I started this in the first place.' As I sat there, the elephants gathered around, and for the first time in days, I felt a peace that I couldn’t explain. I realized then that I’m not in this fight alone. Prayer is the hope I carry when the weight of the world feels too heavy.