Taylor Mallak

Pregnant students seek resources at UNM

About 10 percent of pregnancies occur while the woman is in college. At the University of New Mexico, there are 14 lactation stations for breastfeeding mothers and three changing tables. Carolyn Romero is due July 19, and said she goes to school full-time. She will graduate in July, as well. She said that while staff and faculty have been supportive and understanding, she wishes there were more resources on campus for her and her baby. “More support groups and more information out there about the different resources,” she said. “There could be more resources that I just don’t know about, but it’s just not very well-known.” UNM’s Students for Life chapter offers one resource called Pregnant on Campus that focuses on women who have or will have children while attending UNM. They often provide help with rent and a finding place to stay, as well as getting food benefits such as WIC or EBT. They also work closely with other programs on campus.

Zoo penguins still a long way from reality

Since 2008 talk has circulated about the Albuquerque zoo getting penguins, but little progress has been made. Barry Bitzer, Director of Development for the BioPark, said the reason as to why the penguins have yet to make progress in New Mexico is funding. The type of penguin the zoo is trying to get has many needs. “This is an $8 million project,” Bitzer said. “Because we’re talking Antarctic penguins, that means chiller systems and backup chiller systems.”

Cousins Mireya Jurado, 18, and Julissa Jurado, 4, watch for sea lions to swim by at the ABQ BioPark Zoo on March 7.