Animal Diaries Archive

Claire

28 October 2005

Hi, my name is Claire and I have been with the Big Cats team for two months now. Prior to working at Australia Zoo I studied at the University of Queensland where I completed my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Wildlife Biology and last year was awarded First Class Honours for my research into the reproductive status of captive Short-beacked Echidnahs.

At the beginning of the year I was employed by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, where I commenced my Phd studies, still focusing on my research on monotremes with echidnas. My passion lies with exotic mammals, therefore I accepted the Big Cat Handler position here at the Zoo.

Many exciting things happen on a daily basis working with big cats; I am particulary looking forward to the future development of the new cheetah exibit, but more importantly establishing a successful captive breeding program for our four cheetahs, which will commence in approximately 18 months' time. Having an interest in wildlife reproduction, researching, developing and successfully breeding cubs for such an amazing exotic species would certainly bring about a sense of satisfaction that we, the Big Cats Department, are contributing to the conservation of the cheetah.