Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

SHAPE-Africa is a Branch of The Shape of Enrichment, Inc.
www.enrichment.org  
Compiled by Robynn Ingle-Moller—Chairperson of Shape Africa.

SHAPE-Africa was established in the 90's as a platform for keepers to share their experience and knowledge through a quarterly magazine.  since then The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. has grown and subsequently in the past few years branched out into regionals'.  Currently SHAPE-Africa shares with Shape-Brazil, Shape-UK & Ireland, Shape-Australasia and Shape-USA the honour and responsibility to share and promote positive enrichment through scientific and practical applications within their individual contexts and needs.  

Recently SHAPE-Africa was invited to attend the Brazilian counterpart, Shape-Brazil in October this year.  The experience has inspired me to work harder towards our mission. It also reminded me that understanding animals in the wild is the key to successful appreciation for what we do. Living in Africa, I think we as keepers are often spoilt as we have so much, and we can tap into the natural habitats where our animals we care for are present and alive. Going to Brazil, taught me that we must visit wild places more often, so that animals can teach us how to best treat their ambassador animals in our facilities.  An example; I visited the Pantenal and was bowled over as to how wild parrots and macaws live, such as the stunning and beautiful Hyacinth macaw not to mention; cayman, capabara, anaconda, giant otters, capuchins, howler monkeys, fishing bats, jabaru, eagles, kingfishers, toucans and the illusive Jaguar etc etc etc.  Their lessons to me were profound and give you this advice, GO VISIT YOUR ANIMALS IN THE WILD, go learn, observe and apply what you learn back in your facilities.   As such and in association with AKAA, SHAPE-Africa will be giving ideas for enrichment through their communication mediums, such as the Newsletter, website and workshops.

Enrichment word of advice: go into the wild and observe your animals, apply the five freedoms and five categories of enrichment to the wild environment and see how you can recreate back at your facility.  Remember have fun, enjoy your animals and enjoy the affect you have on their welfare.