While searching for part time jobs online, a job offer at the San Diego Safari Park caught the eye of junior Lucy Zabrosky. She went to the interview where they asked typical customer service questions and by the end of the meeting, she was happy to be informed that she had gotten the job. 

Zabrosky was originally hired in February, but then had to quit due to a busy schedule filled with cheer practice, photography and being a full time student. But then she was recently rehired in November. 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. The park houses a large array of wild and endangered animals including species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. 

At the Safari Park, Zabrosky works at a coffee cart. A typical day for her is, arriving and grabbing the money bag and then she will start helping make orders and take them. “Usually someone takes orders and the other two or three people will make them,” Zabrosky said.  

Sometimes working at the Safari Park can be slow and allows the employees to clean and restock supplies. Zabrosky typically closes so she cleans everything again and then puts it all away and goes to the back room and wash the dishes.

Lastly, “I put my money away and write a void sheet, which is basic paperwork, then I go home,” Zabrosky said.

Zabrosky does not work weekdays because the park closes at 5 p.m. – too close to the end of her school day, soweekends are her only option. But, during school breaks she is able to work almost every day. 

Zabrosky enjoys her job at the Safari Park mainly because of the people. She feels lucky to be working with fun coworkers and shift leaders who are in high school and college. “I’ve become so close to all of them, and they help stand up for me when difficult customers are yelling at us,” Zabrosky said.