Austin has always been drawn to learning about animals. Both through encyclopedias and visits to zoos and observing nature around him.
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Receive Text UpdatesWhen posing this question to Austin, he immediately responded with “nature makes me feel peaceful which helps me feel calm”. He has always been drawn to being in the water and surrounded by trees and mountains or swimming in the ocean. He equally enjoys learning about ways to care for nature through gardening and recycling and has recently begun collecting our neighborhood recyclables to ensure they are placed in correct bins or disposed of in proper manner so they can possibly be reused.
Austin’s favorite animal is a sloth. He appreciates that they enjoy relaxing and are slow to move, though he’s also observed the sloth moving across a rope course at a much faster pace than anyone anticipated to get to the next treat at the San Diego Zoo.
Austin is an extremely athletic child spending most days playing baseball, basketball, football, and pickleball, as well as swimming and skiing, but he also really enjoys hiking. He has recently come to love kayaking as well and loves recognizing the wild life associated with being on a mountain trail versus kayaking in the ocean. He is especially drawn to feathered friends that smoothly soar overhead and the otters and sea lions gliding along the water beneath his paddle.
Vote for Austin to become the 2026 Jr. Ranger while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation—supporting the National Wildlife Federation in their mission to protect wildlife and preserve wild places for future generations.
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