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1st Joint AKAA & Ed4PAAZAB Symposium: Linking Zoo Educators & Zoo Keepers to Biodiversity

By: Robynn Ingle-Möller, Chairperson Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) robynn.ingle@gmail.com

Background

Ed4PAAZAB was created as a working group of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) and to communicate that education is critical to our industry’s growth; not only for educators, school groups and visitors but also for zoo keepers. During the 2008 AKAA Conference, hosted by Cango Wildlife Ranch, Louise Gordon, Russell Stevens and Jone Porter saw huge potential to unite zoo educators and zoo keepers. It was there that the idea was created to hold a joint activity with AKAA and Ed4PAAZAB in the future. In 2009 it was decided that the two should hold a joint symposium and in February 2010, the joint AKAA & Ed4PAAZAB Symposium was launched.

What happened in February?

The National Zoo hosted a four day symposium for over 70 zoo keepers and educators. This provided a fantastic opportunity for zoo keepers and educators to work together to create an environment where incorporating education is a top priority in professional development.

Guest Speakers

The delegates were delighted with the opportunity to hear from the guest speakers. These speakers provided a variety of insights into education. Guest speakers included:

• Janine Basson from WWF SA who spoke on the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative
• Dave Morgan, our well known Executive Director of PAAZAB
• Dr. Anthony Lelilott from The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
• Dr. Lynn Hurry from Aardvark Publications who strives to create opportunities for conscious growth
• Other guest speakers were Professor Callie Loubser from the University of South Africa, Isabel Wentzel from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Wildlife Unit), Professor Johann Dreyer, and Professor Hugo van Rooyen.

All the speakers spoke of unifying concepts that zoo keepers and zoo educators can use within their daily activities. These topics included evaluation techniques, ethics, how to interpret one’s own impact on the public and ourselves, and our responsibility to the animals we care for.

We even had Gabby Harris from Sea World, Durban who spoke of Animal Conditioning and through an interactive workshop, proved the value of training - how our self awareness in body language, mind set and behaviour have an effect. Whether it be with an animal or a child, our mannerisms must always be true and honest if we are to get the best out of people or animals. Mathew van Lierop from Project 90x2030, brought home the invaluable insight and reminder that our effect also affects the globe and that the outcome from the symposium will be to work towards making future events greener and reduce carbon use.

Participants

Hearing stories from other professionals in the zoo community is always inspirational. Since the symposium, many keepers have shared that they have a better understanding their own actions affect animal behaviour. Keepers have the ability to teach and to learn and the result was an appreciation for learning out of the box. To have heard from Professors and Doctors on Higher Educational Subjects was intriguing and provided proof that zoo keepers can implement similar information into their daily working lives. The presentations were on a variety of topics from first time presenters to experienced professionals. Topics ranged from “Displays that work for children” by Louise Matschke to “An African Animal Keeper Professional Development Programme for Africa” by John Werth.

Awards were given to the following: The best presentation went to Elizabeth du Plessis who gave a magical and inspirational presentation on ‘The impact of illegal trade on Arachnids’. Her account of her learning and personal reflections and ability to overcome fear was recognized. She is presenting the same presentation at the 2010 PAAZAB Conference in May, her first.

The second best presentation went to Shannon Hoffman of African Birds of Prey Sanctuary who gave a compelling story of how important our roles as conservation educators are to the biodiversity of life, using her love of vultures to depict the importance of how everything is connected. Her award was a two year membership to the AKAA.

The best poster went to Imelda Matlala from Johannesburg Zoo who shared a wonderful poster on “Children in Johannesburg Zoo” on how important involvement from a young age is to a community. Congratulations to all our winners for your inspiration to the community you serve.

Conclusion

The event was very rewarding. The joint association with PAAZAB is beyond valuable to our community as Zoo Keepers and I wish to emphasize that it is our responsibility as Zoo Keepers and Educators to interact with each other. As such, AKAA and Ed4PAAZAB are to hold a joint symposium every even year. This will formulate and enhance our understanding and better our knowledge of our roles and responsibilities to our community at large.

Africa Membership List

The IZE Membership List is updated quarterly.

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