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Zookeeper's Pinch Me Moments with Hoofed Animals
15 Feb
Summary
- Zookeeper Rhiannon Wolff cares for diverse hoofstock species at Marwell Zoo.
- Two Przewalski's horses, Shara and Togs, recently returned to Kazakhstan.
- Conservation efforts are a vital and special part of zoo animal care.
Rhiannon Wolff, a hoofstock animal keeper at Marwell Zoo, cherishes her work with a variety of species, describing it as a "pinch me moment." Her daily responsibilities include caring for animals with hooves, such as giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, tapirs, and Visayan warty pigs. Wolff emphasizes that being part of species conservation is a "very special part of the job."
Recently, two female Przewalski's horses, Shara and Togs, were transported from Marwell Zoo to their native Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. Wolff, who worked with these horses since their birth, expressed mixed emotions about their departure but acknowledged the importance of such reintroductions. The zoo is also involved in reintroducing the scimitar-horned oryx, which were once extinct in the wild.
Wolff's career path to zookeeping involved studying zoo management and interning at Chester Zoo. She now trains large animals like rhinos and giraffes for voluntary medical procedures, such as X-rays and blood draws. The Przewalski's horses, a favorite of Wolff's, are known for their wild nature, resilience, and social interactions, originating from just 12 captive individuals.
