Following the departure of the beloved Vanguard staff pet, Suki the dog, it was time to invest in a new pet for the staff.
(To clarify, the dog did not pass away, but her owner graduated.)
The Vanguard staff adopted two shrimps and two snails.
Newly appointed Editor-in-Chief and third-year French Education Major Trinity Sullivan explains why the adoptions took place:
“As a student with an emotional support animal, I greatly value the impact caring for a creature provides, and I think that would be good for the staff.” Sullivan said. “ I hope that it will really help our collective mental health.”
The idea to create a small aquarium for the Valley Vanguard would have been fiction if it wasn’t for a volunteer from the staff to acquire Neocaridina Shrimp
Isaac Zamora-Ayres, Vanguard Reporter, Designated Shrimp Health Overseer and third-year Phycology major, explains why he volunteered:
“I love building aquariums, and recently I’ve been obsessed with these shrimps.”
The idea came from the finding of two small, old fish tanks collecting dust in the office of the Vanguard. Too small to hold a fish, but the perfect size for critters.
Previous suggested uses of the tank were to house ethically-sourced beta fish.
However, the beta fish proposal was shot down due to concerns of the tanks size and its impact on a betas quality of life.
“I believe it boosts morale. To come in and see nature [in the office] would be helpful for all of us.”
The aquarium will reside in the headquarters where all of the staff will take turns to feed and care for all of them.
“I hope that this encourages staff to be more present in the office at meetings or during production days,” Sullivan said. “It should give everyone a reason to look forward to working for the Vanguard.”
The staff asks anyone with name ideas for the pets to submit their preferences to the Valley Vanguard email: vanguard@svsu.edu, and the staff will vote on their favorites.
Updates about the well-being of the shrimps and snails will be provided whenever possible.
The summer home of the shrimp is not absolutely decided, but they will likely reside with Zamona-Ayres.
“I think we’re all excited to meet them” Sullivan said. “I’m so grateful to Isaac for helping us with this, we really would have been lost without him and his aquatic expertise.”
(Top) The newest member of vanguard staff, a currently un-named shrimp, resides on a plant in his new fish tank home. Isaac Zamora-Ayres| Vanguard Reporter & Designated Shrimp Health Overseer
(Bottom) The residence of the Vanguards newest staff members. Isaac Zamora-Ayres | Vanguard Reporter & Designated Shrimp Health Overseer
