During the past few months I’ve been roped into a variety of activities for these Time Out Tries Out features. From flyboarding, roller coasters and CrossFit to cake baking and pizza making, I’ve gone from sweating it out on beaches to sweating it up in kitchens.
However, today’s zookeeper experience at Emirates Park Zoo is unlike anything I’ve done before. And as an avid animal lover, I’m beyond excited to get up close and personal with the furry critters, while helping the zoo staff with their daily duties.
I report for action bright and early at the zoo, where I meet Jennifer Beasley, the Head of Animal Welfare. Bright and early isn’t really my thing, but the zoo staff start at the crack of dawn during the warmer months so that they can get most of their tasks done before the heat fully kicks in for the day.
Jennifer takes me on a tour of the zoo’s general area, where I get to feed animals and clean some of the enclosures. From llamas, goats and tortoises, to ostriches, camels and bunny rabbits, the variety is phenomenal. In fact, there are animals I’ve never seen before. I can’t take my eyes off a large mammal that looks like a baby elephant crossed with a rhino. Turns out it’s called a Brazilian tapir. It’s cute and cuddly when I feed it, but Jennifer warns me that if threatened, a tapir can easily maul your hand off. I put mine back in my pocket.
The one thing that is evident from the off is the staff’s passion and love for the animals. Every animal has a pet name, the zookeepers know each one’s personality, and they’ve built relationships with all of them. While some of the animals don’t give me the time of day, they’re warm towards Jennifer and cosy up to her. She explains that the majority of the zoo’s inhabitants have either been rescued or donated, so many of them had a rough start in life. The staff take time to rehabilitate them, give each species the care and diet they need, and ultimately, gain their trust. It’s pretty incredible.
Getting back to my duties, I’m particularly excited to feed the giraffes and zebras. Being South African, these animals remind me of many school outings and family camping trips in the bushveld. I immediately befriend a genial giraffe called Tula, who was recently named by UK popstar Tulisa (real name Tula Contostavlos) during a recent visit. While feeding Tula, a zebra decides to get in on the action too.
So far I’ve practically been Dr Doolittle with the animals, but that all comes to a halt when we pass the reptile section. When Jennifer suggests they bring me a snake, I start having a panic attack. The mere sight of the anaconda makes me want to do a runner. Instead, they bring an adorable lizard for me to meet, but I still refuse to hold it. Herpetophobia is the fear of reptiles, and I am clearly stricken.
Moving along, we pass magnificent lions and tigers. I’m immediately blown away being so close to these kings of the jungle. Most of them were owned by wealthy types with an expensive taste for exotic pets, and then donated to the zoo once they grew up and their owners realised they weren’t furry kittens they could play with.
Just when I think I’ve seen all Emirates Park Zoo has to offer, I stumble upon two majestic Indian elephants, Madu and Rada. These two beauties are both over 40 and were rescued from an abusive circus.
The zoo has built an enormous new enclosure for them to roam around in, complete with their very own pool. The elephants are the stars of daily educational talks where guests can learn more about them, and get to feed them. After years of work during their circus days, these sessions keep the elephants occupied without having to do silly tricks.
With all my duties done for the morning, I’m sad to hand my Emirates Park Zoo uniform back to management. I’d happily ditch my day of meetings and deadlines at the office and stay. The amazing work the zookeepers do to care for the animals and give them a better life after their rescue is inspiring. Bravo, guys. I’m available to help on weekends. Just no reptiles.
Tickets cost Dhs30 per adult and Dhs20 for kids under six. Kids under two are free. Open Sun-Wed 9am-8pm, Thu-Sat 9am-9pm. Emirates Park Zoo, 12th Street, Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, www.emiratespark.ae (02 501 0000).
Four to try
Animal encounters
Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre
Visit the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre, a rescue and rehab home for confiscated and illegal pets such as lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards and jaguars. Your small entry fee will help to care for these rare animals.
Adults Dhs70, children Dhs40. Tours available Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. To arrange your visit, call (050 721 8169).
Abu Dhabi falcon Hospital
Beginning as a falcon veterinary care unit, it has evolved to provide care to all sorts of animals and become an award-winning tourist destination. The centre has several sections catering to falcon and animal care, as well as relaxation spots.
To learn more about the ADFH, visit www.falconhospital.com (02 575 5155).
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Wander around the five square kilometre reserve and you’re practically guaranteed to see flamingos – as many as 4,000 have been counted. You can get pretty close, thanks to a purpose-built hide and the birds even breed here.
Open Thu and Sat, 8am-2pm, www.ead.ae.
Umm Al Emarat Park
The venue’s animal barn is the perfect place in which to interact with your favourite fauna including rabbits, tortoises, llamas, sheep, a camel and the resident pony, Bentley. For Dhs10, visitors can feed the animals their meals and ride Bentley on a dedicated track.
Dhs10. www.mushrifcentralpark.ae.
