Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

Dominic Moss (Jhb zoo) and Gabby Harris (uShaka Sea World), both AKAA committee members were both invited to on behalf of the AKAA to partner with PAAZAB in a visit to the GIZA ZOO on a PAAZAB mission.  The mission was to impart knowledge to the vets and zookeepers.  They formed part of a larger team that comprised Mike Harman (retired professional), a bird specialist, Dr Adrian Tordiffe(NZG)—the vet and leader of the team, Mrs Tracy Rehse (NZG) whose expertise is as a zoo registrar and studbook keeper, and Mr Ian Visser (uShaka Sea World)  who went under the banner of reptile specialist.  Ian also assisted with the monkeys and apes.  Dominic imparted knowledge on mammals and Gabby Harris on behaviour modification and enrichment.  Shape of Enrichment kindly supplied pictures and even a toy for the animals.  This heralded a story by one of their vets, Dr Waleed on the Boomer ball that Shape had sponsored in Uganda.  The ball made its rounds of the entire zoo, entertaining all sort of animals before the tigers finally destroyed it.

The only member of the team who had visited Egypt before was Dominic.  The rest all agreed that the first day was a culture shock of note.  They all settled in well and spent day one getting their heads around the zoo grounds.  Plans for various presentations and practical sessions were put  into place and work began in earnest the following morning.

The two weeks at the zoo flew by, and the team worked tirelessly to share their know how and also learn lessons—as animal people always do when they get together.  Every evening was spent recounting their experiences, planning for the next day and elaborating on line reports for the director of the mission, Dave Morgan.  

There was a little time to play and the wonderful Egyptian hosts took the opportunity to show the team the sights of Egypt.  Including belly dancers especially for Dominic.  Memories of the visit are colourful.  All agreed that the relationships between keepers and animals was noteworthy.  Keepers spend all day next to their exhibits looking after the animals.  Some of the men have inherited their positions from their fathers.  For anyone who wants a  giggle, it is strongly suggested that you ask Ian Visser to share his “small beer” story.