Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

Please welcome Henry Opio to the team. 

The Animal Keepers Association is full of amazing people, people who have the passion drive and commitment to their animals and their organisation.  In all organisations / associations and active bodies there are times when people are called in or identified or prove themselves passionate enough to be nominated and appointed as sub-committee members. 

Graeme Ogilvie was a good example, he began as a member, offered his help to the committee and assisted Dominic Moss with the membership base.  Since then you the membership voted him in as a fully fledged committee member in 2008. 

As such we wish to introduce you to Henry who recently in July was appointed by his peers in Uganda to be one of four sub-committee member that will be introduced to you, and in this vein proudly and with great glee introduce you to Henry Opio.  

‘I am 33 years born in 1977 and grew up in northern Uganda. I joined Uganda wildlife training institute in August 2002 to 2004 where I was awarded with a certificate in wildlife and allied natural resources management.  I joined Uganda wildlife education centre on 02 Feb 2005 as volunteer for one year. UWEC then confirmed me as full staff to work as an animal keeper in the animal department on 01Feb 2006.   In 2007, I went to Australia to attend international rhino keepers association workshop which took place in Weiribee Open Range Zoo Melbourne city where I presented a paper on history of rhinos in Uganda.  After the workshop, I extended my staying so as I could learn more about management of captive wild animal in their semi natural environment.  Then I trained with open range zoo and Melbourne zoo respectively.  In Feb 2010, I went to Phoenix zoo to attend a giraffe conference where I presented a paper about UWEC outreach program and I won an award as the best outreach paper presenter.  I also visited California zoos where I train more on giraffe management in captivity.  Some of those zoos were Oakland zoo, San Francisco zoo and Sacramento zoo among others.  In 2008 to 2010 June, I completed a diploma in environment management science and at the moment I am doing a degree in environment from Ukumba University Entebbe.  I love participating in outreach program with UWEC education department, I also love participating in rescue of animals. I love working with big 5 Africa and others. I generally love very much to sensitize the local communities on any topic about wildlife conservation.’

Henry will be working closely with Jimmy Awany who will along with Henry and Jenifer work towards establishing events, activities and support mechanisms for the region and area for the AKAA membership in Uganda and neighbouring countries.