Why are you inspired by your job?
I get my inspiration from knowing that here at Perth Zoo we really do make a difference to wildlife conservation around the world. My work includes things like microchipping and health checks for Dibblers born here at the Zoo prior to their release in the wild. The Dibblers are bred here as part of the Zoo’s native species breed-for-release program I also recently hand-reared four baby Numbats – another endangered native species which we breed for release.
What made you specifically interested in working with bears?
The first time I saw images of bears overseas in those horrible bear farm cages I turned away in horror. But then a friend of mine who had worked with rescued bears in China suggested my skills could be used over there and that it would be something I’d find very fulfilling. I applied for a position as a volunteer with Animals Asia Foundation and was accepted.
What is the extent of the problem?
In China alone, over 10,000 bears are held in bile farms. They are predominantly Asiatic Black Bears (Moon Bears), which are listed as critically endangered. In Vietnam, over 4000 bears (including the Sun Bear) are kept in bile farms.
The bears held in these bile farms live in conditions so horrific I don’t think a human would survive in them for long. They live in these conditions for life – some have been known to survive for 18 years. It is one of the worst examples of man’s inhumanity to animals on the planet.
What has been your most memorable nature conservation experience?
Watching a bear at the China AAF bear rescue centre leave its cage and step on to solid ground for the first time. Each step was painful as the bear’s muscles had wasted away from disuse but the bear bravely left the cage and entered the night den where he found food, water and a comfy bed. We all had tears in our eyes watching this. In the following weeks, the bear built up muscle strength and was eventually introduced to grass, the sun and then other bears. He is now living in a large bamboo planted enclosure with other rescued bears.
What is the most endearing quality of these bears?
Their sense of humour – no matter what physical and mental torture they go through, they are still ready to play. To see them interact with other bears at the rescue centres always brings tears to my eyes – that is the reason I keep fighting for them.
Are you making a difference?
We are definitely seeing a change in attitude in China. Children there are being told what is happening on the bile farms and they do not like what they are hearing. Public opinion is changing and, as a result, we are seeing more and more bile farms being closed down by the Government.
How does working for Perth Zoo help you achieve your own conservation aims?
As a Perth Zoo vet nurse, I get to work with all of the animals living at Perth zoo as well as other wildlife brought in for care. I feel proud that I have been able to contribute to the breed-for-release programs we have here at the Zoo. Perth Zoo is also committed to many conservation medicine programs including the Woylie recovery program, Black Cockatoo rehabilitation and rescue, and Australian Sea Lion research.
Why, in your view, is Perth Zoo’s job so important?
We are serious about conservation and education. Sure, people come here for a great day but I hope they leave with a new perspective about wildlife conservation and some ideas about how they personally can make a huge difference. Conservation is a global issue and a critical one – this is one of the important messages that we emphasise.
What, in your view, is the biggest contribution NGOs make to nature conservation?
To help wildlife in situ it is critical to actively support local communities, which is what responsible NGOs do. This may mean providing employment, education or re-education and finding innovative ways to change local cultural attitudes towards wildlife.
Along with donating to or fundraising for Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action fund, what can individuals do to help the nature conservation cause?
Write letters of support, become aware, talk to people. Go to Perth Zoo’s website and click on the ‘Act’ link. Don’t buy products containing palm oil or use traditional medicine containing animal parts. And do simple things like recycle and buy recycled products, plant wildlife friendly trees and keep your cats inside. Get involved with NGOs such as Animals Asia Foundation.
If you had one wish in nature conservation, what would it be?
If everyone just picked one cause and made a small contribution, we could change the world.
If you want to get involved in conservation, learn how Perth Zoo can help. Visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Act.
Find out more about the conservation organisations which our featured staff support.
Photos courtesy of Phil England, Animals Asia Foundation, and Rae.
