Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

The Animal Keepers Association of Africa has in recent years developed a link with SHAPE-Africa a Branch of The Shape of Enrichment, Inc.  As such in May 2010 the AKAA went into a strategic partnership with SHAPE- Africa where both parties will benefit greatly.    SHAPE-Africa came about with the regular visits to Africa by Valerie Hare, one of the founders of The Shape of Enrichment, Inc.  She along with others (Joanne Osuagwhu, Elsie Pieterse, Nomusa Mthlungu, Colette Bodenstaff and myself) realised the value of having a branch in Africa, thus the name SHAPE-Africa. 

The purpose of the Branch is to enable more frequent and target based enrichment workshops and activities for staff and people in Africa to learn about enrichment through the 5 freedoms and 5 categories with the objective to enhance and benefit the animals we care for.   As such the AKAA see this partnership as a benefit to all members as more streamlined workshops on enrichment can be arranged.  Resources and processes can be created and promoted that best suit our African needs.

All members of AKAA will automatically be Friends of SHAPE-Africa, but Friends of SHAPE-Africa will not automatically be members of AKAA.   All activities coordinated by either AKAA or SHAPE-Africa will be advertised and promoted to all Friends of SHAPE-Africa and AKAA Members.  Thus ensuring sharing of knowledge, experience and information for the better management and welfare of the animals we care for.

For more information about SHAPE-Africa you can visit their website at   http://www.enrichment.org/ click on Regionals / Africa and follow their activities. 

Signing off