Coming to Millbrook all the way from Shanghai, China, Nina has been working in the zoo since she got here as a IIIrd former. Now in the Vth form, she is in her third year at the zoo. Here’s a bit about her zoo experience:

“My favorite animals are the foxes and marmosets. My first time taking care of the marmosets, I was attracted to them immediately. They climb onto the branches and huddle in trios, and they are curious creatures. I like the foxes because they remind me of the Chinese mythical character Hulijing (even though she's a villain). I always get attracted to characters with magical powers and I like to imagine what it would be like if the foxes in our zoo could use magic.”

“I like making food in the kitchen; it can be pressure releasing, because I can work a lot and not think about anything. It's like giving my brain a break. I also love playing with the ferrets after zoo squad. They can run really fast and hide anywhere.”

“I've learned that we give the animals enrichment each time when we go see them. Enrichment is activities provided for the animals to play so they don't get bored and can activate their instincts. This can involve toys or natural objects. This has made me realize that zoos are not places with no freedom for animals. With human-provided enrichment items, they can experience fun that they can't experience in the wild.”

“I am somebody who usually likes to take all the work in animal care, as I wish for progress and efficiency. However, my advice for future curators is not to take up all the work yourself. Instead, let your zooies experience doing the work. Everyone should have experience working and learning in the zoo.”