Animal Diaries Archive

Once a Feral

26 May 2008

Well, we all know that life can pull you in unexpected directions, and that’s what has happened recently to Michele. Until now, Michele served as our much loved head of department. It’s been no secret that her goal in life is to some day work with big cats- though you’d never guess it if all you saw was the affection and love she shared with our motley bunch of ‘feral’ critters! But wait, that’s not where she’s gone! Michele has stepped out of the pack to broaden her keeping skills as part of the primates team! This is certainly a great step forwards for her, learning new skills, increasing her knowledge and hopefully putting in place the right building blocks to climb to her ultimate goal.

But we’re sure going to miss her around here! Michele never stopped sharing her passion with the creatures she cared for with everyone around her. She has set high standards and is constantly brainstorming ways to improve our animals lives, while thoroughly enjoying the lighter side of life.

Michele has been through a lot with the department and even through some of our longest days and toughest times she has always been the best shoulder to lean on you could hope to find.

We have created a lot of fond memories… exploring the orchards out the back with our dingoes, mounting grand expeditions into the forestry to find the best possible camel food, watching the wonderful progress of our red foxes and feeling their trust in us grow. And who could forget that day we found that beautiful decorative rootball for the fox enclosure in the orchards out the back. I don’t think any of us will be able to see an umbrella tree the same way again… but that’s a long story in itself.

Michele, you’ve done a tremendous amount for our department. We will strive to continue the work you’ve put in place and give our animals the absolute best! You’ve been a friend and a teacher, and never been above the messy side of the job! Thank goodness you’re not going anywhere far because you know as well as we do that ‘once a feral, ALWAYS a feral’!

Much love and all the best wishes,

ALL the team, from the top of Teela’s hump to the fluff at the end of Kit’s tail, and every one of us in between!