Stepping into the life of zookeeper Philemon Magoba gives us a new perspective on what it’s like to spend a day surrounded by animals, big and small.
Magoba, who is responsible for antelope, farmyard animals, and pachyderms — large mammals with thick skin, such as elephants, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus — walks us through one of the City’s pride and joys.
He is responsible for the wellbeing and upkeep of 18 enclosures, which in total hold more than 40 animals if counted together. Among these mammals are all the various kinds of buck and antelope you can think of, as well as domesticated cows, goats, and even an Upington turkey.
Upon arriving at work every morning, Magoba starts by collecting the meals for the animals in the enclosures that he is responsible for. He explains that each animal has different dietary requirements.
“It’s not just a matter of collecting a big pile of food. Every animal has its own meal plan and it’s important for us to maintain their meal plans to ensure that the animals remain happy and healthy,” he highlights.
Magoba explains that the zoo has its very own kitchen with staff who prepare the meals for all the animals. Some eat boskos, some eat veggies and tree leaves, but others eat both to give the animals all the nutrients they need.
Once he has collected the meals, Magoba rounds down the paved pathways of the zoo. As he walks, he stops and greets each of the animals. This is not only his way of communicating with them but also a method of conducting what he calls an animal census, which includes headcounts. He checks if the animals are all healthy, any new-borns, any missing animals, and more importantly, just checking in to see if the animals slept well and are showing signs of normal or new behaviour.
“Conducting the animal census every morning helps us keep track of all the animals in the zoo. It helps us make sure the animals are all accounted for but also pick up if the animals are OK and happy,” he adds.
“Giraffes are my favourite because they are so miraculous and tall. I’m dwarfed in comparison to the giraffe. They are peaceful and are known as browsers. Grazers are those you find grazing the land, like some antelopes,” he explains.
Magoba says he grew up in Limpopo, in a very rural area where he was exposed to various kinds of animals. It is because of this that he decided to relocate to Johannesburg to pursue a career working with animals.
He started volunteering at the zoo in 2006 following the completion of his qualification – a diploma in Nature Conservation through UNISA. After being a volunteer, he became an animal attendant and is now what he has always wanted to be – a zookeeper.
Magoba has been working at the zoo for around 13 years and says no one day can be compared to the previous one or the next day.
“Being a zookeeper is not a predictable job. Every day is different because the animals are different every day. Some days they are happy and welcome you in their space, and other days they are angry or a bit aggressive and do not want to be disturbed,” he illustrates.
He says being a zookeeper is not for those who would like a 9-to-5 job. “We are always on standby even during the night in case one of the animals needs urgent attention.”
“For all the little girls and boys, I would encourage you to come spend time at the zoo, and hopefully you will want to be a zookeeper too. It’s the best job to do, working with animals that are so dear to me,” he concludes.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
20.5.2022