ChairpersonLetters

From Keepers

1 AkAA@UWEC IS WHATS HAPPENING IN 2009
2 SEPTEMBER - A NEW COMMITTEE A NEW ROAD
3 MAY you be in time
4 APRIL and its no fools day, But Valarie Hare is coming to Africa
5 Its March and The Easter Bunny is here
6 ITS FEBRUARY ALREADY
7 Its 2008 Happy New Year everyone

AkAA@UWEC IS WHATS HAPPENING IN 2009

AKAA@UWEC Symposium 19th 20th and 21st May 2009 Uganda, Entebbe

The Animal Keepers Association of Africa’s (AKAA) 1st Symposium was held at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe in May of this year.

The event was ground breaking in more ways than one and wish to express the importance of this experience for AKAA and its participating delegates, who ranged from as far as Madagascar, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and as well as from San Diego, California to Japan. The amazing realisation of this event played out over the three days like a dream. To think AKAA was launched in 2005 and in 2009 was not only holding a Symposium but was participating with SHAPE-Africa, through Valerie Hare and guest speakers such as Sr. Pittman from Johannesburg Zoo. AKAA and SHAPE-Africa both found themselves in Uganda participating with not only themselves but also with the African Association of Zoo’s and Aquaria (PAAZAB) which allowed for the creation of memories which developed into connections that would enable further collaborations with nations and individuals alike.

During the three day event the delegates were introduced and challenged to intellectualize enrichment from a whole range of perspectives, such as the categories (cognitive, structural, social, sensory, food, tactile etc) to the welfare implications of enrichment to the very and often misunderstood safety aspects by Valerie Hare. As well as learn about data collection for census purposes as well as basic parasitological practicals by Sr. Pittman to giving delegates the opportunity to share their experiences through presentations and posters on subjects on Ostrich sexual behaviour to Ugandan Rhino Conservation successes. Over the three days SHAPE-Africa and AKAA were challenged to develop skills and expose the delegates to the importance of communication and collaboration with not only each other but with PAAZAB. Throughout the experience Dr. Seguya the Director of UWEC, offered his zoo as a platform for both to participate in the PAAZAB Directors visit during their concurrent PAAZAB Conference in Entebbe.

The value and experience of holding an enrichment workshop during the formal PAAZAB Conference visit to the zoo was priceless and the delegates were expected to not only ‘entertain’ but ‘educate’ their own managers and directors during their visit to the zoo. SHAPE-Africa through Valerie Hare coordinated and executed a successful visit where the AKAA delegates were allowed to show off what they had learnt through the three days. At the closing ceremony of AKAA@UWEC Valerie handed out donated Boomer Balls to the Directors and staff which also provided the import of collaboration and skills development to the watching directors before they left. In summary the Directors left with a better appreciation for their staff and that of the power of not only the AKAA but that of SHAPE-Africa ensuring positive input and commitment to furthering future workshops, conferences and symposiums back at their facilities, zoos and countries in Africa.

In conclusion; I wish to express deep appreciation to Valerie Hare for traveling to Africa to participate and for her trust and commitment to Africa through her encouragement of SHAPE-Africa. I also wish to thank The Lee Houts Memorial Fund for enabling two delegates to attend the AKAA@UWEC Symposium as with out them they would not have been able to attend. (To see their letters go to the enrichment.org website – click on donations) I also wish to thank Dr. Seguya for allowing the AKAA to engage with not only the staff of UWEC but that of the animals lives. I also wish to thank Boomer Ball for sponsoring a large box full of balls that will and are well received in each country that attended the symposium and conference. Lastly in appreciation to the delegates, may we see you again soon at future AKAA events to come.

Ke a Leboga Robynn Ingle-Moller Chairperson AKAA

SEPTEMBER - A NEW COMMITTEE A NEW ROAD

On the road to success Chairpersons Report 2008.

The year has certainly been a productive and curious one with many initiatives established and put onto the path of success. To date we have 182 members that constitute five countries heralding from; Uganda, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Madagascar, Morocco & the USA. The membership base is strongest in South Africa, where the AKAA has established relationships and connections with not only local zoo’s but with international links in Africa such as UWEC (Ugandan Wildlife Education Center) which we have a continued and large supportive associative collaboration. 2009 plans to focus on UWEC, and where we will be heading next year for our first mini-symposium and workshop outside of South Africa.

In relation, our global network is also growing, as earlier this year the World Association of Zoo’s and Aquaria (WAZA) was approached by the International Congress of Zoo Keepers (ICZ) with regard to endorsement. Through discussions between the Presidents of WAZA (Gordon McGregor Reid) and ICZ (Shane Good), it was approved that WAZA endorse the ICZ though honoree membership. In relation to the AKAA, this is exciting and important news, as through our membership with the ICZ, we are automatically endorsed and recognized by WAZA. We are globally recognized. The advantage is not to be taken lightly, as this link gives the AKAA strength and will enable the committee and sub-committees the opportunity to engage and establish our objectives, that of developing an African Network of ethical and competent animal keepers.

Another initiative and partnership with the AKAA occurred in May this year. SHAPE-Africa a branch of The Shape of Enrichment inc, has also taken a role in developing opportunities for keepers. The future looks bright, with the AKAA and SHAPE-Africa working together to present enriching and interactive workshops, lectures and other activities. Such as those that transpired only this month, in Tenikwe, SeaWorld, deWildt, Johannesburg zoo and NZG. Mrs Valerie Hare (who is a professional member of the AKAA) visited South Africa and through SHAPE-Africa and AKAA presented workshops and lectures that focused on enrichment. Even more exciting is that PAAZAB at their annual conference endorsed SHAPE-Africa as an autonomous body.

The initiatives do not stop there, with the first KEPA Exchange happening between SeaWorld and National Zoo in April, the objective being to exchange knowledge and experience on cape fur seal husbandry and training techniques. The next exchange will be held between UWEC and NZG with Jimmy Awany visiting this month and hopefully sending a keeper up to UWEC next year. I encourage you to participate; it all starts with a letter of request to the committee with a description as to where and why you would like to join in on the programme. Local is lekker, and its time we spent time at each others facilities as knowledge is gained through experience and exposure.

In closing, the time has come for a change, a change in committee structure, with the stepping down of Robyn Greyling (BayWorld) and Mark Howitt (NZG). Three positions were re-elected and wish to welcome, Alan Jardine (Cango Wildlife Ranch), Graeme Ogilvie (NZG) and Olivia Mills (Gold Reef City) to the committee. Change is good and I sign off with appreciation and thanks to you all for allowing me to kick start this young and vibrant association for whom I have great trust in its desire to grow and to become a force to be reckoned with and hope that I may serve you well for the next two years as Chair.

In respect Robynn Ingle-Möller (Chairperson AKAA)

MAY you be in time

The AkAA Conference dates have changed and for which I encourage your participation to attend on Tue 16th & Wed 17th September......

APRIL and its no fools day, But Valarie Hare is coming to Africa

Great News, The Shape of Enrichment, inc has grown too big for its boots and has now got so many fans around the world that they have had to create regionals. So guess who is coming to town......Valarie Hare.

Its March and The Easter Bunny is here

Six months to go before the 3rd AKAA Conference which will be held at Cango Wildlife Ranch in Outshoorn, South Africa. Time for you to follow your nose and .......