A zookeeper at Werribee Open Range Zoo for 19 years, Kwai Chang-Kum says his favourite animal is an endangered native growling grass frog.
How did you come to be a zookeeper?
As part of childcare studies I had a work placement at Melbourne Zoo and it tapped into my childhood love of animals. As a kid I was always down at the Werribee River, mucking around with frogs, turtles and lizards.
Where is your neighbourhood retreat spot?
It’s still Werribee River. We’ve lost lots of wildlife habitats around Wyndham but the river is still a great spot to show kids how things should be.
Where do you go for a bite to eat?
It’s usually Friday family nights these days, so we head to Kippers Seafood in Watton Street for fish and chips, or to Master Wok in Synnot Street for Chinese.
What change would you like to see in your patch?
The elimination of feral cats and birds and foxes. Indian myna birds are a real problem because they kick native birds out of their nests and harass possums. We have a control program in place at the zoo and, since surrounding habitats are disappearing, we’re seeing more impact from feral animals.
Share a funny or embarrassing story.
Before meeting with the zoo’s head director for a group dinner I went home to change into jeans. On arrival, I heard “what’s that hanging out of your pants?” I looked down and saw yesterday’s undies trailing out of the leg bottom.
