CREATURE COMFORTS

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ZOOLOGY?

Animals are my passion: big, small, wild and domestic. Africa is home to some of the greatest diversities and spectacles of animal life in the world. I love the outdoors and this profession gives me the opportunity to work with what I love and have a passion for, and to help preserve one aspect of Africa’s rich heritage.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?

I completed an undergraduate degree at King’s College, London and, soon a er, a master’s degree at the University of Nairobi. A er that I worked in Kenya for four years as the Wildlife Officer at a local wildlife park. I am currently doing my PhD at the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, a Centre of Excellence at UCT. will become a space where people live, work, play, etc, very interesting.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO ZOOLOGY?

Working outdoors can be challenging at times, so it helps to have an appreciation for the outdoors beforehand. Persistence and focus are important, so a selfmotivated character will do well.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I love drawing! My people skills aren’t great, so I prefer being in the background drawing.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

I sometimes feel a bit isolated; I work mostly on my own. When starting out I would recommend working in an office with other people and also getting involved on site.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD?

Creating my own business was a big leap for me and it continues to be a challenge.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?

Running and documenting a multistorey commercial building. I learnt so much from the team of engineers, contractors and so on that the experience was invaluable to my career.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

Bigger and more challenging projects.

HOW DOES EXPERIENCE WEIGH UP WITH FORMAL TRAINING?

Although formal training has substantial benefits, I believe experience can sometimes be even better. When it comes to nature, some things can only be learnt through direct experience.

Describe A Typical Day At Work

In the office, I am mainly occupied with looking down the microscope, trying to identify various things from my field data. In the field, it’s an early start at dawn or before – my research involves counting, catching (and release) of birds, so we do this for most of the day.

YOUR FAVOURITE PARTS OF THE JOB?

I’m always learning. There is always an opportunity to discover new things about the natural world, both in the field and in the lab.

WHICH ASPECTS AREN’T YOU TOO KEEN ON?

Getting up at 4am on a cold winter’s day to go out into the field

EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING?

You have to have a good base of knowledge before starting in the industry, but experience is vital. I worked in architecture and interior design while I was studying and they both helped me get ahead in the job market. The tech course’s second year is a practical year, where you work in an architectural office. That’s so important, not just for experience but also to get an idea of what you are aiming towards.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?

You need to have great attention to detail, patience for when that detail changes and a practical/logical way of thinking.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

Work hard at college: the course isn’t easy, but if you are consistent you will succeed. In the work environment, remember a building project is a team effort, listen and learn from those around you.

YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Challenging, interesting and rewarding.

– this can be challenging, no matter how much you love your job!

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?

During my time as a wildlife officer, I organised teams to conduct wildlife translocations – moving animals from one place to another. These operations are o en risky and involve intense planning and practise, so it is always satisfying when they go well. My personal highlight came when we successfully managed to move two hippos into an enclosure we had specially designed for them. Seeing them thrive and get to know each other in the enclosure was very gratifying. Meeting David Attenborough recently was wonderful.

ANY ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE FIELD?

Follow your passion. To enjoy it, you need to love it.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Surprising • Innovative • Challenging

F hana Bh at SPECIALIST ANAESTHETIST Private Practice