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All in a Days Work

David Barclay – Senior Keeper of Carnivores, Primates & Birds

Highland Wildlife Park,

Kincraig, Scotland

Nestled in the scenic surroundings of the Cairngorm National park, the Highland Wildlife Park is a specialised animal attraction managed by the Zoological Society of Scotland exhibiting animals from the worlds mountainous and tundra environments. With Amur Tigers, Polar Bears and Japanese Macaques to the lesser known Scottish wildcat, Mishmi Takin and Bactrian Camels, there is plenty to be seen whilst taking in the fresh air of the gorgeous Scottish Highlands.

With over 250 acres of mixed habitat the park gives visitors the opportunity to drive-through vast enclosures of Bison, Red Deer, Mongolian Horses, Camels and more then walk around then rest of the park to visit our Wolves, Tigers, Monkeys and others.

As a Senior Keeper of Carnivores, Primates and Birds it is my duty, along with my Head Keeper to manage the day to day care of all these animals. Although feeding animals and cleaning enclosures are daily tasks for us, the role of a zookeeper is more diverse than most people think. Monitoring behaviour, animal training, enclosure refurbishments, daily keeper talks, veterinary care and animal enrichment are all other duties that must be fitted in to our daily routines.

Although I have been involved in zoo-keeping for over 8 years now I can quite confidently say that no two days are the same, and this is the beauty of such a job. I remember hearing a couple of years ago that only 3 % of the UK population enjoy their jobs and it’s nice to know that myself and all my colleagues fall into this category. Being able to wake up in the morning, even when it is -20oc outside, and know that your day will involve working closely with some of the worlds rarest animals is a great feeling to have.

My Average Day :

8am – Arrive at work and have a brief meeting and discuss any major issues or jobs that need addressed.

8.30am – Organise my staff, prepare some feeds for Arctic fox, Polar Bear and Wolves.

8.40am – Feed and give a good visual health check of our 2 Polar Bears.

8.45am – Feed and clean the Arctic foxes and Snowy owls lock the Tigers in their house, give small training feed to each Tiger then clean both the outside and inside Tiger areas.

10am – Stop for Coffee break and catch up with my staff.

10.30am – Give small training feed to the Polar bears and scatter some food and “toys” in their pool.

10.45am – Clean Polar bear holding area then watch their behaviour for 5 – 10 minutes

11.30am – Give Scatter feed to the Japanese Macaques , watch any interactions or mating behaviour then give 10 – 15 minute public talk

11.40am – Prepare more feeds and clean utensils, feed containers and kitchen area.

12.30pm – Stop for lunch and again meet with my staff and discuss important activities from the morning.

1.30pm – Feed Scottish Wildcats, Pine-martin and Eagle Owls and give public talk

2pm – Arrive at Tiger enclosure, lock tigers in the house, hang food up trees and feed poles, let tigers out and give another public talk/

2.45pm – Give last feed of the day to Arctic fox and Snowy owls.

2.50pm – Finish of cleaning and prepare last feeds for Lynx, Wolf and Polar Bears.

3.15pm – Head out to Polar Bear area, check doors and locks then give last feed whilst monitoring their behaviour.

3.30pm – Give training feed to Lynx, and get a good close look at them as they come for food.

3.45pm – Check and feed wolves, then lock up public areas.

4pm – Ensure all public have left the public, secure all gates and access areas, fill in daily report sheets, and discuss any important topics from the day, then prepare for it all again

For more info about visiting The Highland Wildlife Park;
www.highlandwildlifepark.org

Credit: Highland Wildlife Park