ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Have you ever visited a local zoo and noticed a sign clearly stating, "Please don't feed the animals?" These precautions are set in place because the health and nutritional welfare of the local inhabitants are maintained by a team of professional zoo caretakers who feed them on a regular basis.
So is the case, but on a smaller scale, when you visit The Courses at Andrews. You can't help but notice the exotic fish exhibit showcased near the main entrance with a large marble etched, stone requesting "Please do not taunt or feed the fish."
Mr. Wendell Tyler, a custodial worker at the golf course for nearly two years, is the primary caretaker of the exotic fish and lush greenery, which surrounds the pond.
"The fish feeding is a separate job in itself," noted Mr. Tyler. "I used to think that fish were just for catching and eating, but since I started taking care of these fish I noticed different personalities developing, especially at feeding time," said Mr. Tyler. "You'd be surprised, fish are a lot smarter than people think."
Prior to beginning his daily feedings, Mr. Tyler decided to test the intelligence of the fish by tapping a stone on the outer ridge of the pond mantle to attract them before feeding. "After tapping the stone a few times, they realized that it was time to eat," said Mr. Tyler, "and that's when the different personalities begin to bloom."
"There's an orange one I named Bubba. He's the biggest one in the pond and the only fish that stands straight up in the water, holding his mouth open when you feed him," said Mr. Tyler. "There's also an angel fish that for some particular reason will flip his tail and splash water on you after he takes his food," said Mr. Tyler.
Unlike the other custodial duties required of Mr. Tyler, the pond needs daily maintenance. "If done correctly, it takes about two and a half hours. I also have to add chemicals to stabilize the Ph levels, including chlorine, change the filters and groom the plants," noted Mr. Tyler.
"The most important part of keeping the pond well groomed is trying removing the algae, so that people can see the fish," said Mr. Tyler, beaming with pride. "Sometimes while I'm grooming the pond, people will stop by and ask questions about the type of fish and care needed for them. It makes me feel more professional."
The pond is home to approximately 50 combined Gold, Coy, Angel and Tilapia fish, which Mr. Tyler feeds with protein diet pellets three times daily.
Although Mr. Tyler's duties include a myriad of jobs, from preparing event set-ups to grounds maintenance, it's apparent that he reserves a special place in his heart as caretaker of the exotic fish pond. "I love this job," said Mr. Tyler, "and when doing a job you don't mind doing, it gives you peace."
Mr. Tyler's friendly yet professional behavior was the staple mark for receiving employment at the golf course.
"Wendell is a silver lining product," said Mike Thomas, The Courses at Andrews general manager. "When he came to us applying for a job, he just had that pizzazz. He has the desire to achieve, he works diligently and puts in an ernest effort here with us," said Mr. Thomas. "His role as a custodial worker is always attention to detail with all of his duties."
"In particular, Wendell picked up on the caring for the pond and the fish, because he knew that was the first thing you people see when they come here," said Mr. Thomas.
"When he grooms the pond, he hand picks out the little blades of grass and weeds which grow in between the rocks, because he knows that you can't spray weed killer to kill the weeds, because it would harm the fish," said Mr. Thomas. "It was a nice deal when Wendell came to our front door and we're happy to have him as part of our team."
So as the seasons change, Mr. Tyler's job of caring for the fish and pond decreases. The feedings go from three times daily to once a day by December. January through March all feedings cease because the fish lay dormant until spring when they once again meet their friend Wendell.