Every year, Phoenix Zoo zookeepers participate in conservation efforts with organizations around the world. Most recently, Relief Keeper Lauren traveled to Namibia to help the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
In the diary below, Lauren fills us in on what her day to day looks like working in the field.
Day 1
I arrived at Windhoek Airport in Namibia at approximately 8:30 a.m. The first thing I noticed as I got off my flight was how bright the sun seemed here. Bird songs greeted my ears, one of which I recognized as the peach-faced lovebird. After I collected my bag and made it through customs, I met up with my taxi driver “Cappie,” and we began our four-hour drive to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. That may seem daunting after 32 hours of air travel, but within the first 20 minutes I saw a yellow billed hornbill, a vulture and small troop of olive baboons! The remainder of the drive proved to be just as fruitful for viewing the local fauna. We were graced with a gemsbok, giraffe, springbok, sable antelope and Kori bustard.
When we arrived at the Cheetah Conservation Fund I was ushered into the education office to meet Joe and the Manager of Education Shannon. After I filled out some paperwork and watched a quick orientation video, Joe showed me around the facility, museum, model farm, guardian dog kennels, creamery (where we got a sample of delicious goat milk fudge) and finally my lodging.
A cozy rondavel, a traditional circular African dwelling with a conical thatched roof, will be my home for the next seven days. Shortly after I settled in, a small flock of gray go-away birds, some cape glossy starlings and another baboon welcomed me!
I wasn’t given any work on my first day, they graciously wanted me to have some time to acclimate, but I was informed that tomorrow I’ll be attending an outreach to a local school.
What strikes me already, is how impassioned and dutiful everyone working here seems. The Cheetah Conservation Fund has a multitude of community centric and driven goals, and it certainly shows in the enthusiasm of their staff.
I absolutely cannot wait to see what the next few days bring!
Recent Posts
Cheetah Conservation Fund
Every year, Phoenix Zoo zookeepers participate in conservation efforts with organizations around the world. Most recently, Relief Keeper Lauren traveled to Namibia to help the…
Arboreal Additions to the Phoenix Zoo
Last week we welcomed two new species to the Children’s Trail that are sure to be fan favorites! First, a tamandua named Ernest Johnson (Ernie),…
Phoenix Zoo Welcomes Six Louisiana Pine Snake Hatchlings
In early August, six Louisiana pine snakes hatched at the Phoenix Zoo, and a majority of them are being prepared for a road trip! These…
Phoenix Zoo Welcomes Two Ringtail Kits!
On May 21, 2023, two ringtail kits were born at the Phoenix Zoo to first-time parents Slate and Bugsy! These animals are managed cooperatively as…
National Zookeepers Week 2023
While visiting the Zoo you have probably seen some of our amazing keepers out and about in habitats across the park. Carnivores, ectotherms and birds,…