A DAY IN THE LIFE OF:
Catherine Roughton, Orana Wildlife Park Meet Catherine Roughton, Native Fauna & Domestic Animals Manager – Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch)
Blue duck/whio © Orana Wildlife Park
“C
onservation is a core part of Orana’s mission and the key reason for the park to exist. I manage a team of ten highly-skilled native fauna practitioners who contribute to DOC recovery programmes for some of New Zealand’s most threatened wildlife, for example breeding kākāriki karaka, New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, for release to the wild. My work day starts with a team planning session to ensure we meet objectives. We are absolutely privileged to have some of this country’s most precious and unique species in our care and it’s crucial we maintain optimal welfare for them to maximise their breeding success.
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We Love You New Zealand! Spring 2021