August 25, 2003
By Tshepiso Mogotsi
IN a tribute to the impressive work done by the Johannesburg Zoo on animal enrichment, the zoo has been selected to host an international conference on animals in captivity later this year.
The sixth International Conference on Environmental Enrichment will take place from 2 November to 7 November, with a host of international delegates expected to attend.
"The Johannesburg Zoo is a leader in the field of enrichment on the African continent and we are proud to be hosting this prestigious event," said animal behaviourist Mike van Lierop.
Johannesburg Zoo's general marketing manager, Elmarie Loubser, said the city's zoo was selected because it was the only one in South Africa to employ a full-time behavioural enrichment officer, Van Lierop.
Animal enrichment entailed creating an environment where the animal would be stimulated and encouraged to display behaviours it would display in its natural environment, Loubster said.
Delegates will include representatives from zoos, laboratories and sanctuaries. An assortment of topics will be covered relating to creating a more stimulating environment for the animals. One of the key questions to be discussed is the effect of humans - the veterinarians and keepers - on the animals. All this information will be considered in the context of animals being housed outside of their natural habitat.
The conference is held under the auspices of the Pan African Association of Zoological Gardens and the Aquaria and Botanic Gardens. Last held in Australia in 2001, the international symposium is also affiliated to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
Participants who register before 15 September pay R2 200, while late registration will cost R2 500. People wishing to attend can book via the Johannesburg Zoo website.
The site offers safety tips, information on accommodation near the zoo, transport, health, weather, and venues for local events.
Elmarie Loubser can be contacted on 011 646 2000 (ext 216).
