Dr Clifford Nxomani, MD of the National Zoo, describes his encounter with Uganda's gorillas as "one of those moments in life that one cherishes forever".
	The NZG was instrumental in funding the participation of Dr Tijani Ahmed of Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Nigeria (right), in the PAAZAB meeting. Dr Tijani expressed his appreciation to Dr Clifford Nxomani of the National Zoo (left) for facilitating his participation in "this very vital conference".
	Proud moment - Dr Clifford Nxomani congratulates Robynn Ingle-Moller, the NZG's Enrichment Coordinator, who received the Bernard Harrison and Friends Award for Best Professional Development at the PAAZAB meeting.

National Zoo gets nod of approval

Dr Clifford Nxomani, Managing Director, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

I've recently returned from a trip to Uganda, where I attended the annual general meeting of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB).

The event, which was held at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe proved to be a significant experience, in more ways than one.

Recently, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) voluntarily subjected itself to a process of peer review. The purpose of the review is to determine an organisation's compliance with PAAZAB's minimum standards for accreditation. If the organisation is able to prove that it is compliant with these minimum standards, PAAZAB accreditation may be awarded.

Maintaining international best practices

During the Entebbe meeting PAAZAB reconfirmed the NZG's status as an accredited member of the association. This was indeed a momentous occasion for the NZG as it served to demonstrate our continued commitment to maintaining international best practices and ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all who worked tirelessly to ensure that the NZG achieves its accreditation. I would also like to thank all the organisations and partners that continuously work with the NZG to ensure that we remain a facility that all of us can be proud of.

Award for Best Professional Development

During the meeting Robynn Ingle-Moller, the NZG's Enrichment Coordinator, received the Bernard Harrison and Friends Award for Best Professional Development. Robynn has become synonymous with animal enrichment in the South African zoo community.

At PAAZAB's request, Robynn took on the coordination of its Animal Care Staff working group in 2005. With the assistance of animal care staff from other PAAZAB facilities, she established the Animal Keepers Association of Africa, otherwise known as "AKAA" in 2006. Robynn has held the rank of AKAA Chair since its inception. The NZG is proud of Robynn and her achievements.

Cherished moments

During the trip to Uganda I was also privileged to participate in a gorilla viewing safari. After just 45 minutes we encountered a band of gorillas. Some groups have been known to track gorillas for several hours and even days without encountering any animals, so we were indeed fortunate. Being able to view these magnificent animals was one of those moments in life that one cherishes forever.

But the experience also had a downside to it. I was able to view, at first hand, the impact that we as humans are having on the natural world. The destruction of the natural forests that are home to the gorillas was painfully evident. This reinforces the fact that conservation of natural habitats cannot be done in a sustainable way without the involvement of the local communities where their livelihoods are an integral part of the conservation plans.

Conservation of habitats can only work if planned for holistically, by all the people involved.