Birder See, Birder Be

"Savanna, we need 4 people, children's area 3, and..."

Makiko-san and me were just in time for Victoria, Zoo Negara's coordinator, breaking up fellow SCI volunteers into smaller groups.

Eventually i choose to be with birds - - remembering some American birder made me speechless when they asked my about birds, few months back at FRIM.

But Makiko-san went to the savanna - - she likes big animals, maybe? :p


After this, everyone works hard to keep the birds healthy and happy!

After a short briefing, Rafie, Loong and i were lead by a staff through a "NO ENTRY EXCEPT AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL" gate, to our working place.


Beautiful saga seeds!

Our first "job" - - cleaning up the backyard's dead leaves. It's actually part of the staff's routine, especially if it rains the day before. Those dead leaves with still water can be a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, not welcome by both humans and birds!


Staff leading the "star" birds for photography session

Shortly after we finish our sweeping, we have our tea session - - while some of the birds will have their routine photography session, with few other "zoo-mate" like pony horse and python.


Nice to watch but not nice to touch!

I'm happy to know that the zoo didn't impose any additional charges when visitors snap photos with these beautiful creature. And except for the eagle and the little active pony, all the animal were quite "friendly" :)


Papaya, with bamboo support

We continue our work, grounded some 35 papaya plants with proper bamboo support. According to Akmal, they used to have plently of papaya trees, but finally chop it off because the fruits were stolen by contract workers in the zoo.

Quite frustrating when you do the hard work while others simply pick the juicy fruits!

Back in the kitchen the staff, Akmal and Effendi were busy preparing foods for the birds. While most of the birds can be vegetarian, the owls and eagles insists on beef!


All male kitchen? Effendi left, and Akmal, chooping beef into small pieces

Usually the staff will spent the morning in this small kitchen preparing foods, before serving them in the afternoon. Lots of works involved since they need to mix different types of vegetables, corns, etc., according to the bird's diet.


From Left: Akmal, Rafie and Loong mixing up the foods

Just look at the final mix below - - One of the best food only this zoo can offer, Effendi said.


Final mixture, notice the white calcium powder on top

Other than these so calld "dry" food, we have some "wet" food in the refrigerators. Mainly fruites like bananas, papaya etc., just like us, having dessert after our dinner!


"Wet" food for tomorrow's

The fun part was learning and observing the birds, when Akmal walks us into their "house". Maybe we had seen their picture somewhere, but to hear these animal "chatting" among themselves was really an ear-opening experience.


From Left: Rafie, Akmal and Loong, visiting the birds

We even have time to feed a young pelican. Really interesting to see it swallow the whole plate of fish in a couple of minutes!


Akmal, left, together with Rafie, feeding the small pelican

We all finished our work around 1.00 p.m., gather at the cafeteria for lunch, followed with a short speech by Dr. Mohamad, Director of Zoo Negara.

According to Dr. Mohamad, Zoo Negara focus on 4 main aspects: Conservation, Recreation, Research and Education. While the developed countries focus less in recreation, but it's crucial for country like us to generate more revenues, maintaining the zoo's operation.


Dr. Mohamad, giving his speech

He welcome us to be Zoo Negara's "Docent", provide opportunities for us and visitors to learn something more about animal, their habitat, importance of conservation and protection.

I guess i can start with the birds, first :)

P/S: More photo here. Links to Stephen Nah's Photo here