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

There is too much to put in words but two ! AkAA@UWEC ... AkAA will be presenting a very interactive and proactive experience in May 09 at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Enteebe.

SHAPE-Africa and AkAA will be pulling together a magic programme that includes a trip to Gamba Island, intensive hands on activities at UWEC to fun in the sun on UWEC's own private beach, which looks over the second largest Lake in the world !

VENUE : UWEC self COST : US $200 which includes accommodation on site DATES : 18th to the 21st May 2009

african delegates can apply for subsidy'. Delegates must write a motivational letter (email is accepted) and sent for review by the committee. Send your motivational letter to akaafrica@gmail.com

Keep watch and start saving money to be a part of AkAA@UWEC 2009. Regards The Chair

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 .......