Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

We have all visited a zoo or aquarium at some stage in our lives. What we see as the visitor, are the fruits of the dedicated Zookeepers who mostly ‘blend in’ with the zoo environment. As an animal lover, I have been very fortunate to have been included into this marvellous and ‘secret’ world of Zookeepers – Animal carers extraordinaire. I do believe that the following statement, taken from an advert for potential Zookeepers, sums it up:

If you don’t have a passion for animals, are not able to demonstrate experience in caring for them, hate getting wet or cold on a regular basis, don’t like dealing with the general public, don’t like odd working hours and see your weekly wage as the main reason for going to work – then training as is Zookeeper is not a option.

Although there are many debates surrounding Zoos and Aquaria, they now play a very important part in the overall conservation effort, through the captive breeding of species, research, and education of the general public. To illustrate the overwhelming need for Zoos & Aquaria, the visitor statistics for 2008 are: South Africa – 7mil; Africa – 20miI; & worldwide, a staggering 780mil.

I would however, like to give you some insight into the professional world of the Zookeeper.

Zookeeping is a profession consisting of a very small community of dedicated people, but like any other profession, Zookeeping requires skills development. It is a profession with a huge responsibility in preservation of life, responsibility in the slowing down or stopping of negative biodiversity conservation activities, education of the communities which they serve, and ambassadors for the care of animals. By demonstrating this care in a Zoo environment to visitors & students, it imparts how the general public should care for their domestic pets.

Most people would answer that a keeper’s role is to clean out and feed the animals. This is essentially true, but there is a great deal more to the keeper’s role than that: 

• To reduce any possibility of infection to the animals and staff, both the animals and their enclosures must be kept very clean.
• Enclosures have to be brushed and hosed, food and water dishes must be cleaned thoroughly and faeces removed regularly. 
• Staff personal hygiene is also very important. 
• Zoonosis is a real threat to both and a concern for all. 
• Keepers need to have the knowledge to plan a balanced diet for the animals under their care and as such, need an understanding of the needs of the animals as well as nutritional value and behavioural qualities of food.
• The psychological and physical wellbeing of the animals is also of great importance and hence the emphasis on behavioural and environmental enrichment techniques and the application of the five freedoms and categories of enrichment. To do this, use is made of enrichment programs related to a specific animal as well as changes in husbandry patterns.
• Keepers are expected to respect their animals and understand the potential dangers involved in working with them.    

Keepers also need to be able to pay attention to detail. Keepers must observe and note down any variations in the appearance and behaviour of the animals in their care. Any changes in what is considered normal behaviour maybe the first signs of illness or stress. A keeper must fully understand the natural habits of the animals in their care and the seasonal and life cycle and as such it is important that enclosures are kept in a manner that best displays the animals. But also offers them protection from unfavourable weather and constant attention from visitors. Enclosure design must also replicate as near possible, the natural habitat of the animals.

Good record keeping (often on a global scale), is an essential part of a zoo keeper’s job as they try to maximise the use of a limited gene pool. We must know the origin of animals, parents, dates of birth, deaths and mating and general behavioural notes. This is particularly important in breeding schemes of endangered and what is known as common species.  

Keepers are in the front line when talking to the public and there is a reliance on keepers to correctly communicate environmental and species information to the public.  They are seen as hero’s and often followed around by public, Keepers represent appreciation, understanding and have great potential to educate.
Physical, emotional and psychological fitness of a Keeper is important, especially when working with larger mammals. Keepers need to work long and strenuous days. Animals under the care of Keepers are wild and not household pets and demand refined respect as such.

One of the most important tools for a successful Animal Keeper, is the ability and opportunity to network with fellow Keepers & peers. To achieve this, Keepers become members of related Associations. Through such associations, Keepers can gain valuable knowledge & guidance within their field of keeping. In South Africa & Africa, this is the Animal Keepers Association Africa (AKAA). The AKAA is affiliated to the African Association of Zoos & Aquaria (PAAZAB) which in turn is affiliated to the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria (WAZA).  

A big challenge for the Associations & in turn the Keepers, is the funding needed for skills development. Skills development is two-fold: Show & Tell. Show - is done by Keeper Exchanges in the form of Experiential Training i.e. Keepers visit other facilities on a structured basis to broaden their knowledge & to share their experience. Tell - is done by NQF certificates which are being developed specifically for the Zoo & Aquaria industry & in-house training schemes as well as being part of research programs. Most of this is achieved through sponsorship & donations from the public & companies.

This is but a very small insight into the Professional world of Zoo Keepers & the important role they play in conservation, biodiversity & animal care. Should you wish to know more about AKAA, log onto www.akaafrica.com or PAAZAB – www.paazab.com. Internationally, log on to www.waza.org. Should you require any further information or would like to support Keeper skills development, please contact John Werth on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I would like to thank my Friends in the wonderful world of Animal care & training for accepting & including me in their world & for all the incredible experiences & life lessons I have learnt from the Animals I have come into contact with. 

I would like to leave you with this thought, courtesy of a very special Animal trainer friend:

Animals are incredible souls, & largely, they do what is required of them. They don’t take things personally. Their environment is their universe & their universe is their guide. And if we are observant, we will notice that this environment is made up of everything, including ourselves. The result is that in a relationship with animals, we are looking into a powerful insightful mirror. With animals before us, there is never a need for the psychologists couch. The animals ask all the questions & point out all our cracks - true natural therapy. If we care to listen & watch really closely, we will be gifted an astute picture of ourselves, & if we receive this picture, we can work towards being more responsible planet dwellers.