Washburn students get back to nature on trip

Photographs by ANTHONY S. BUSH/The Capital-Journal

Washburn University students meet with their professor to look at pictures from a trip to study Costa Rican animal life. From left are Sara Thomas, Debbie Vinning, Emily Smith, Arienne Ortiz, Dana Thomas and Dr. Joanne Altman.

The students share photos from their June trip to Costa Rica.

By Tom Allen

Special to The Capital-Journal

Five Washburn University students were able to experience the wildlife of Costa Rica from June 2 to 13 as part of a summer class offered through Washburn.

The course, called Animal Behavior in Costa Rica, was offered through the psychology department. The purpose of the class, which took students ages 20 to 40, was to give them hands-on experience in the study of wildlife in its natural habitat.

"That's what's neat about Costa Rica --- so many diverse habitats for such a little country," said Dr. Joanne Altman, psychology professor and instructor of the course.

The Washburn students were joined by Brandi Weiss, a student from James Madison University.

With the help of a guide, Altman led students through the various habitats of Costa Rica. The group itinerary took them from Tortuguero, a town filled with natural canals on Costa Rica's east coast, to Tamarindo, a pre-mountain forest on the west coast.

During the trip, the class observed Arenal, a volcano active since 1968.

Altman said the cost of the trip, including all food, hotels, guides and tuition, was approximately $2,600.

While she tried to ensure that all basic expenses were covered prior to departure, Altman said some costs --- such as tips for the guide and drivers --- weren't known in advance.

The class met earlier this month to look at pictures and reminisce about their trip. The photos included natural-habitat shots of animals seen only in zoos or pet shops in the United States, including sloths, exotic frogs and iguanas.

The trip came just more than a year after the slaying of Shannon Martin, a University of Kansas student studying in Golfito, Costa Rica. Two men were arrested earlier this month in connection with Martin's death. Another suspect was arrested in November.

Sara Thomas said Martin's slaying was on her mind prior to the trip.

"Everyone had concerns but my mom --- because she knew it was a good learning experience," Thomas said.

Another student said she had to assure her husband that she only would travel as part of a group.

Their discussion of the trip moved beyond photographs to include other details, such as a tiny airport that had no walls.

"I had never seen the ocean before," Arienne Ortiz said.

She said she was able to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on this trip.

The travelers said they made long-lasting memories.

"The experience of being in the rainforest was amazing," Debbie Vinning said.

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