Young animal lover lands the perfect summer job

NEWTON — Christina Straway is working her dream job this summer, again. Straway takes care of Beulah the elephant and all of the other animals, exotic and farm-like, for the Commerford Petting Zoo. Straway, who has worked for Commerford for four years, is an integral part of Commerford’s staff as they travel through New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts with the animals. The fair at Giants Stadium is the largest and brings the most amount of visitors to the zoo over the summer months. Commerford just finished their stint at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show last week. The Sussex County Fair is always a welcome return for Straway, since she lives in Newton and will be a junior this year at Newton High School. Straway is no foreigner to agriculture. She is an active participant in the Future Farmers of America club at the high school, and will be serving as secretary in the upcoming year. Her path to working with the animals was family supported. She has been passionate about animals since she was five years old. Her grandfather, realizing the depth of her interest, began conversations and negotiations with a friend who worked for Commerford. Straway’s first job was feeding Beulah, the elephant. When Straway turned 14, she went on the road. Her daily tasks include filling the sinks with water, feeding and watering all of the animals as well as keeping them clean. “Beulah gets a bath every morning, which is fun” Straway said. Long hours, hard work Straway loves working with the animals, and likes the money she makes too, but does not enjoy her hours of 7:30 a.m to 12:30 a.m. The season and the job take up her entire summer. They begin traveling at the end of June and finish the first week of September. “I put in long days, and it is very physical. Besides the animals, I like tearing down and setting up the zoo. There is great momentum, coordination and cooperation between all of the workers. It is fun and exciting, but hard work.” Straway is fond of her co-workers and respects their knowledge This young woman does not like being called a “carny,” a derogatory term used for people who travel with carnivals. Working with the animals requires specialized skills and knowledge — knowing what animals need what grains and how to care for the many different species. Straway said, “We are more like animal ambassadors to the public,” bringing animals and knowledge to people around the east coast. The zoo travels with the same animals every year so she has developed deep relationships with them. “My favorite is Beulah. She is the easiest to work with.” As for the people that come and visit them, she enjoys them as well. “I am the pony girl too,” giving rides to small children. When asked what types of questions she is asked most, she said “people are concerned about the health and safety of the animals and their cleanliness.” Veterinarian, Dr. Tallamy, who preformed the vet checks at the New Jersey State Fair said “the animals at the petting zoo are extremely well cared for. They do a wonderful job over there.” Straway added “The SPCA loves us. They always compliment us,” which she could attest to first hand having spoken with the inspector on the same day as this interview. What does the future hold for the animals and Straway? After each traveling season the animals return to a farm in Connecticut where they spend the winter. The ponies are pastured. Beulah lives in social bliss with two other elephants. The animals that need to be kept indoors are and are kept happy as the cold season passes. As for Straway, she returns to Newton High School, to study, serve the FFA, play softball and just be a kid. She hopes to attend Unity College of Maine and study Agricultural Science and Wildlife Management. She believes the education she receives on the road about different grains, what to do when an animal is sick and how to take care of exotic animals and livestock will help her in her endeavors. But, what does her mom, Helen Kimble think of her daughter spending all summer away? “My mom really misses me, but she likes that I am working outdoors, doing what I love — and she believes it is a good start.”