Ingle-Möller, Robynn - Environmental Enrichment Coordinator, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Robynn was born in Johannesburg and grew up in and around Johannesburg , Pretoria , Cape Town and Hermanus. She spent her childhood around show animals such as afghans and horses . Johannesburg Zoo ( 1996 – 2000) Her career really started in 1996 as a volunteer driving tractors for the Johannesburg Zoo. It was there that she learnt about enrichment and within a year she helped establish the first Environmental Enrichment Position in any zoo within South Africa . Today the Johannesburg Zoo has retained that position with Nomusa Mhlungu heading up that division. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa NZG (2001 – current) She has since established (2001 – current) a second position at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa to which she currently holds. In 2006 the NZG adopted the SPIDER Framework (DAK) and in 2007 included Action Research which created an interactive and proactive enrichment programme. (where keepers are invited to present their personal reflection through scientific means to their peers and management) The NZG has developed enrichment projects that aim at enhancing not only the animals lives but that of the staff as well. Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AkAA) She was invited by PAAZAB (African Association for Zoos and Aquaria) in 2005 to identify the viability of an African Keeper Association, and in September that same year, helped establish the African Keepers Association of Africa. She was nominated to be the Chair and was reelected in 08. Since 2005 the AkAA has had three conferences, developed the KEPA exchange programme, where creating opportunities for Zoo Keepers to interact with like minded people is the ultimate objective. She aims to create awareness of zoo keeping as a profession and is currently helping coordinate a symposium in Uganda . Valerie Hare, (SHAPE-Africa) along with others, will be contributing experience and knowledge through workshops on subjects on enrichment through to mammal preventative medicine. (AkAA@UWEC 19, 20 and 21st May 2009) SHAPE-Africa She has also along with Valerie Hare and Dr. Joanne Osuagwuh created an African regional arm of The Shape of Enrichment, named SHAPE-Africa (Scientific Holistic Approach to Positive Enrichment) and holds the Vice Chair position. In its inaugural year (2008) SHAPE-Africa held five formal workshops on enrichment, from scientific data collection to basic enrichment techniques. SHAPE-Africa’s objective is to contribute to the welfare of captive animals in Africa and to teach and share knowledge through workshops, lectures, information and support through out Africa . In conclusion Robynn is currently studying to gain a degree in Higher Education and intends to create continuous opportunities for Zoo keepers to gain knowledge and insight into their chosen careers. Her biggest dream is to empower and to impart pride in what we do on a daily basis. To recognize and acknowledge zoo keepers as professionals and as contributors to our small community as keepers and individuals.
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