My animal planet =)

Pictures

2008-11-22T21:05:00.001-08:00

Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!Animals!

You can be whatever you want to be=)

2008-11-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

There is inside you
All of the potential
To be whatever you want to be;
All of the energy
To do whatever you want to do.
Imagine yourself as you would like to be,
Doing what you want to do,
And each day, take one step
Towards your dream.
And though at times it may seem too
difficult to continue,
Hold on to your dream.
One morning you will awake to find
That you are the person you dreamed of,
Doing what you wanted to do,
Simply because you had the courage
To believe in your potential
And to hold on to your dream.

Work

2008-11-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

It is not the hours we put in on the job,it what we put into the hours that counts!

The BIG and the SMALL

2008-11-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

+Jamilah,32yr old Asian Elephant+

On our previous Animal Management Course,we were brought out into the field,Elephant section at Night Safari.We were fortunate enough to have close contact with one of our beautiful elephant,Jamilah.

The keepers showed us a few of the behaviours done daily and we were given the chance to feed her one of her favourite food,sugarcane.Elephants are really amazing creatures and i realise that their eyes explain their personality =)

The relationship between the keepers and their elephants are worth to be awed at.We learnt alot.And so they say,seeing is believing..

The next part of the lesson was on Callitrichids,a term used to call all tamarins and marmosets.
They are very small primates of lowland tropical rainforest of Central and South America.
We were brought to Marmoset Complex and Critters Longhouse at the Zoo this time.It brought back fond memories during my early days at the zoo.Fortunately,i still keep all those pictures!

+The creature that is doddling with my hair is a Golden-handed tamarin+

+This is Tobby,a Cotton-top tamarin+

+Eros,our only Golden Lion Tamarin+

+Playful White-lip tamarin+

+Another playful one,Golden-handed tamarin+

+Humprey,one of my favourite Red-headed tamarin+

+Baby Black tufted marmoset+

+Meet the brothers,Phillip and Toby,Cotton-top tamarins+

+Black-tufted marmosets+

+They have this weird fetish towards brooms+

+Those white-lip tamarins again+

+Black-tufted marmosets+

+Really cute!+

+Those were the days at the zoo!+

Looking back i feel fortunate to have started my journey at the zoo.Its surprising that after 2years,all the things that i learnt are still fresh in my head =)

Bad days

2008-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lets face it,everyone have their bad days.
But i have had bad days for 5consecutive days.
Perhaps it was due to the long hours which comes along fatique,stress and the list goes on..
It can be really frustrating as it gets to your head and reaches out to every single strand of your hair.I was always moving along but never taking a time to pause.
I guess thats where my fault lies.We do need breaks to breathe,to reflect,to see the bigger picture =)
I have become my own version of an optimist.
If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door,or I'll make a door.
Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.
I guess life is about making the right choices.
Right from the start when you wake up in the morning,you can decide if you want to be in a bad mood or good mood.And that becomes a shirt that you'll wear for the rest of the day.
I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.
If you can imagine it you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.

And so when one is so filled with fatigue,where does one gets all that energy to move?
I think energy is equal to desire and purpose.
Haha..i have no idea how it works but with me, when I get mad, it puts energy in my body!
If people around you aren't going anywhere, if their dreams are no bigger than hanging out on the corner, or if they're dragging you down, get rid of them.
Negative people can sap your energy so fast, and they can take your dreams from you, too.

In the midst of bad days,i was constantly trying to stay positive.
Appreciating the people around me and to take it easy.
Its all in my mind.
Life would seem so blurry and complicated for that moment but..
Life cant be that bad.Its just in your mind.
I guess the power of the mind is as such..
I come to believe whatever that i repeat to myself sufficiently often, whether the statement is true of false,it comes to be a dominating thought in my mind.
I also feel that optimism means expecting the best, but confidence means knowing how to handle the worst. Never make a move if you are merely optimistic.
Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force.

Bad days are like the wind,it comes and go
In 3 words i can sum up about life-It Goes On =)

Counting your blessings

2008-10-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Fate is like a book,hidden from our sight..
Sometimes we get a rare peep into that book and it becomes deeply imprinted in our hearts..
Sometimes for the rest of our life =)

Loving life as it is

2008-10-25T20:47:00.001-07:00

I got this really rare chance to touch a tiger =)
The tiger keepers and the vets were doing sedation and weighing Tua, our malayan tiger.
I stood there watching every single procedure that they took.
And it is very heavy too!

And i've always believed,that if you can touch an animal,no matter the size,then you in turn will be touched =)
Back at work,i did environmental enrichment for my binturongs.I've been thinking of doing this enrichment for quite sometime.So,i went to gather some bafia leaves and do it before tea-break!Glad that my binturongs like it!It was so cosy for them ;)

Drop by the lab after our AMC course to check on some of the animals.I fell in love with this ferret!he's so cute and calm!and ya!we got the chance to see how Dr. Sonja did a post-portem on a reticulated python.it was quite an experience..hmm..yup=)

My special one turned 23!so glad that he loved what i've made for him.He'll do great with his job and animals!
And he made me adopt a new hobby-fishing!i didnt know that it could be so fun!
We're both working long stretch this week.thus,we wont be seeing each other much.but it feels nice to share with each other how our day went with our animals at the end of the day=)

The worlds what made me

2008-10-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

The worlds what made me
Truly what made me
Brake me-
Not a thing is going to brake me

I want to make people smile
And show them how to bloom
Making them realize
They can taste their life with more than just a spoon

Id like to know how to tell a good friend from a bad one
I pray that I keep all my friends
Never letting one another down
Ruining the trust we all have won

I really don't know life as an adult sees it
Only as a child or a teen
I can only guess that life was meant to be
Based on what I've seen

I want to keep bringing up the greatest times
Some things are forever and some things are not
Its the things we remember
That makes our past hot

I hope someday I can teach
My grandkids how life is golden
And how the world won't always be on their side
But in me they can confide

Just when I thought I had it all, opportunities pass me by
Teaching me that things are to be earned
And everyday that passes by
Is teaching me new things to be learned

The worlds what made me
Truly what made me
Brake me-
Not a things going to brake me

I am . . .
What I am
Im myself.
I live . . .
What I live
I live my life spontaneously
I dream . . .
What I dream
I dream the perfect world
I learn . . .
What I learn
I learn friendship and love.

Love and thou shall be love =)

2008-09-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

Helloooo!have been away for quite sometime!here to update with what i've been up to =)

I'm currently attending Basic Animal Management Course.It has been interesting and last week,they brought us to see how they draw blood from the white tiger's tail for veterinarian purposes.It was my first close encounter with a white tiger and what more,i got a chance to hold its tail!
Here's a view on how the process looks like.Its still is fascinating to see the relationship of humans with such a big and strong animal.White tigers are indeed beautiful animals.Really lovely eyes!Given a chance,i would like to learn to work with them =)

Meanwhile,back at work,i'm still working on with my fishing cats.I'm currently conditioning Garfield!she's really cute and very very playful!i got clawed by her..hahaha!
Fishing cats are very interesting animals.I'm not sure if many people know or have read about them.I know it will take time for my fishing cats to get use to me and also vice versa.But i'm enjoying every step and every minute with them.

Today marks my 1year with Night Safari.I love my animals though at times like humans,they give a whole load full of attitude!haha!Being an animal keeper is not just about cleaning,washing,scrubbing,feeding and just going home at the end of the day.But theres more to that.Its about bonding with them and building your own chapters with them.I enjoy spending all my free time at work just sitting in the den or exhibit with my animals.Moments like this really allows you to discover things that you never know.Every animal is an individual and thats what makes them so special.Every animal has their own story to tell.Life,you can define it but what i know is it is about taking each day one step at a time =)

What i've been doing with my animals=)

2008-07-26T03:22:00.000-07:00

Tiring,Draining days but also filled with lotsa fun,laughter,joy and discoveries!

Conditioning fishing cats

2008-06-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks,i've been putting alot of my focus on conditioning my fishing cats.Its a nerve-recking yet wonderful experience.A whole lot of patience and hardwork is required.I'm glad that my whole team is there to provide ideas and offer assistance.Understanding my fishing cats each day and spending as much time as i can with them is extremely important to me.

Meanwhile,we're experiencing so much joy at the growth of 'Ros' our baby pangolin!

Living and working with nature=)

2008-06-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been put in-charge of conditioning the fishing cats!i'm pretty nervous about it but this is a great opportunity to learn and grow!

Baby markhor!

2008-06-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ear-notching the babies=)

=)

2008-05-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

I know i've been gone for pretty quite some time!
The thing is,every single day theres so many things that happen that i cant really decide where to start.haha!
This month,work schedule was pretty crazy!it was very physically and mentally draining.But admist all that lack of sleep and good food ..haha..i learnt alot.
This month has allowed me to further build my relationship with my animals.Observations play an important part when working with animals.plus,definitely,humor!Over the months of working here at night safari,i've gotten over the fact of rushing at work.i've grown to enjoy and learn every step.i think i've reached a stage where i dont see going to work as just work but rather a platform for me to grow and learn working with my animals.Afterall,my job has become a passion.
Life has been very simple though complications pop up here and there..but its how we deal with it!cheers!

Reflections

2008-05-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Work can be very physically and mentally draining,my work here have become such a passion that i dont mind spending my break time reading or surfing the net for any latest information.Though the schedule can sometimes be crazy,when u're on the move,u just get stronger mentally and physically.Its been quite a journey,meeting all sorts of people and their characters,learning about my animals and handling different tasks each day.i'm learning and its nice share my passion with u=)

From school to the zoo to the night safari!

2008-04-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Croc encounters again!

2008-03-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had the transfer of the indian gharial from night safari to zoo =)

The Law of the garbage truck

2008-03-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a
bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive colleague ruin your
day? Unless you're a robot, you are bound to blow your top off. However, the
mark of a sucessful person is how quickly he or she can get back his or her
focus on what's important.

Two days ago, I learned this lesson.Here's what happen.

I hopped in a taxi. We were
driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a
parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes,
skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident,
whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really
friendly. So, I said, 'Why did you do that? This guy almost ruined your car
and sent us to the hospital!'

And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now called, 'The Law of the
Garbage Truck'.

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full
of fustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage
piles up, they need a place to dump it. If they happen to dump it on you,
don't take it personally.

You just smile, wave, wish them well, and moved on. You'll be happier if you
did that rather than fight them.

So this was it: 'The Law of the Garbage Truck'.

I started thinking, how often do I let garbage trucks run right over me?
And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at
work, at home, on the street? It was that day I said, 'I'm not going to do
it anymore.' I see garbage trucks everywhere and everyday. I see the load
they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my taxi driver,
I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I
move on.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents
know they have to welcome their kids home from school with hugs and kisses.
Teachers and parents know that they have to be fully present and at their
best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take
over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting
today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.

So...love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe that every thing happens for a reason.
If you get a chance, TAKE IT!
If it changes your life, LET IT!
Nobody said it would be easy...
They just promised it would be WORTH IT

Cheers!
'Life is short. Enjoy the journey.'

Turning eighteen

2008-03-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

And so!i'm 18!
March has been the climax of 2008 so far.Things that i never expect to hit me..hit me right at the heart!haha..i'm still at lost for words but i guess everyone has to go through it sooner or later.and yes..love makes the world go round =)

It suddenly feels like i'm entering a new door.This time round it felt abit unpredictable cause the word independence starts playing around you.But i'm glad to know that i'm still myself and my passion towards my animals is still as strong as ever.

Heres a special thanks to everyone who made my birthday a memorable one!

+The breeze is super nice!+

+Heres where we search for ants and termites for our pangolin+

+Dropear,u'll be dearly missed+

+Aman's style..haha+

Momentum

2008-02-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

Eversince 2008 folds in,i've been experiencing new things almost every single day.I've had my fair share of the good and the bad.haha.but then again,thats life!

I'm starting to get the momentum going.My body system is slowly adjusting to the night shifts.Actually i do realise something.The best time to really observe my animals is at night.During the day,their behaviour is altered because we,the keepers bring about that change.For example,when we are in their den,their behaviour is either to stay or move,because we bring about that altered change.But at night,when they're in the exhibit,they're simply doing what they do in the wild for they dont have any restrictions.Very interesting =)

When we are looking after a variety of animals ranging from big to small,all in one section,it can get pretty hard or even messy when trying to get to know them all as an individual.Someone gave me a very logical advice.To start,focus on just one animal for each month.Thats the key to understanding each animal.So!starting march,i've decided to start with my fishing cats =)

+++

This picture wasnt even planned.But i find my gharials extremely unpredictable!haha..

And how i can ever forget my super noisy frens?Otters!!!

...and they said that love makes the word go round =)

Certificate!

2008-02-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

Like finally!The University of Bradford has approved our award for Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences and will be releasing the certs soon. The release for the certs has been delayed and we've been waiting since forever!haha..

Seems so fast.3years from now,degree in biomedical sciences!taking things one day at a time.right now,my full focus lies in my work with my darling animals!

+++

Yesterday was Janice's last day at work.Wish you the best in your studies!Its been nice knowing u!..we went to leopards trail at lunch time.they ordered alot of KFC.me,dino,michael,yusof played basketball while kughan was trying to play gasing!ahahaha..it was very funny.to end it all,we played zero point.haha..went back to work perspiring.haha..keeper bonding =p

Okays!i've gotta run.working night shift today.trying out new enrichment for my birds and bats!

When hardwork pays off =D

2008-02-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first solo night shift.haha..1 whole night with my animals and some not so nice guests. I still get that nervous reaction but i always have to remember what my head-keeper told me!

I came out with a new enrichment for my fishing cats!
Its fish wrapped with gunny cloth tied to a log and then smeared with chicken blood.
I was prepared to see what their reaction would be.Surprisingly!they took the whole night to check on the device.They ripped it off,sprayed on it and some even rubbed their face and body against it.Thats something which i rarely see during the day!As a result,their display for the night was awesome!

Everything went smoothly when it comes to confining my animals.To top it all,i wasnt the last one to report in over the walkie!I was calm and yes,singing to my animals again.haha..Michael and Faizal were clapping and cheering for me like small kids when they saw me at the bus-stop.haha..

I handled yesterday well.Though i did daynight shift,i managed to keep myself focus and prioritise.by the time i reached home,i'm busted!haha..and i'm spending more time observing my animals.oh ya!i passed my SOP (standard operating procedures) test.and so they say,hardwork does pays off!=)

The sweet smell of success

2008-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

I went home smilling from ear to ear after my last 2nd shift understudy...

I went to work telling myself that i have to make this work.My head-keeper had a talk with me and it helped me see things in a clearer perspective.I actually felt so inspired!He pointed out things that i didnt even know.well of course,he knows everything about fishing cat trail for he's been here for like 10years or so..he pointed out that work wise,he sees that i have no problems with it.but he pointed out that every single animal is an individual and it takes time to get to know them,reading their body language,knowing what they're going to do next and they can see what we're feeling.They can tell if we feel intimidated,excited,nervous,anxious..thats why when working with animals especially when releasing or confining them,its important to stay calm and relax.He tells me to spend some time each day at work simply observing them and get to know them.Yes!thats what i need to work on.Before he left,he gave me a pat on my shoulder and told me that i can do it.i didnt want to disappoint him and the people at fishing cat trail =)

And so,when i was confining the animals,i was very very calm.i had a clear mind and i was prepared for anything.one by one all my animals went in..there was 1 funny incident.knowing that my markhor are always the stubborn ones,i sang to them..and the next moment,they're all in!heys!you cant laugh at me ya..everyone has their own way of doing things.hahaha!

After i reported in over the walkie,my head-keeper called and asked me how it went.haha..it was like 12midnight and i was talking loudly over the phone.haha..i dont why but i'm super happy!this success means alot to me.i mean i know to other keepers,this is simply kacang as they have been doing this for years.haha!i guess everybody starts from somewhere.But i'm not getting big-headed now.i'm sure there are more challenges ahead.I will push myself and continue to work harder!

+++

On another note,i created an enrichment for my bharal yesterday.Its a stick,entwined with hay.Got a mixture of comments from others but i'm glad that my bharals' display was pretty good last night =)

and ya!HaPpY VaLentines to ALL!!

The challenge just keeps coming!

2008-02-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

This past 1 week has been pretty challenging for me.Had 3 night shift understudy and yesterday was supposed to be my last understudy.I encountered my very first challenge when confining my animals yesterday.

The challenge started when my dear markhor didnt want to come back into their den.I swear i sweated like a pig.I keep glancing at my watch while calling them back.In total darkness,with just 1 torchlight,i went inside the exhibit,trying to entice them back with food.Shouted their name till i could hear my own voice echo.I even sang to them okays!but still they refuse to move.Xiuting came to take over me while i confine all my other animals.

Well,one thing led to another..1 himalayan tahr didnt want to come back,2 of my binturongs sat like stone right at the end of their exhibit,so i had to go all the way in and chase them back..AND!1 of my fishing cat practically stood like a statue inches away from the den door,refusing to move.Rawr!!

I keep telling myself to stay calm as i hear 1 by 1 all other sections report in over the walkie while here i am,still not done with confining of my animals.haha!cold sweat..it was almost 12.15midnight when i finally report in over the walkie.haha..my voice was completely breaking down.

I decided to request for 1more understudy tomorrow to train myself to stay calm.I know that i can do this,its just that i really really need to stay calm and have a straight mind.If my animals really dont want to come back in,what can i do.haha..i guess i need to be prepared for there will be days when my animals will refuse to listen to me.1 thing i learnt about night shift is that every night is different as i have to expect the unexpected from my animals.Their behaviour is never the same.

Haha..i went home feeling like a total mess yesterday.Tomorrow's my final showdown,i have to make it work!Deep breath!With passion,big hurdles become mere obstacles! =)

+++

+Otter footprints!i find this really cute+

+Sleepy head+

Dearly missed,Ah Meng

2008-02-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays memorial ceremony was trully heart-wrenching.Ah meng's departure was so sudden.She will be greatly missed.She had a beautiful and warm life here at the singapore zoo.I think that we have to thank her because in her,we the see the importance of conserving wildlife.She was and will always be our very own conservation ambassador.Her smile,her charm and her human-like behaviour..ah meng is one of a kind.Rest well and thank you for showering so much joy into other peoples lives.Love you!=)

"Welcome to the club sabrina!"

2008-02-06T01:50:00.000-08:00

Okays!I know i should be sleeping now cause i'm working tmr morning and its like 1.30am now.
But i feel the strong urge to blog about today.Today was my very first day/night shift.(well..you could put it as i worked from 8.30am till 12.15midnight)..i'm pretty zonked out now but i was full of energy the whole day!my arms and thighs ache.my right wrist is swollen cause i hit it against a table in the dark.wahahaha!..people keep telling me 'welcome to the club!' =p

Its been 5days since i've become a full-time keeper in night safari.its been great so far.it has really opened my eyes into whats its really really like to be an ANIMAL KEEPER.i cant really find the perfect word for now cause i'm going to lala land soon..haha.but you're gotta be super strong at heart and mind manz!hahaha..it takes more than just saying 'i love animals'..i think today made me realise that i've passed that stage.

Working at night in night safari as a keeper is totally different as compared to daytime.I just experienced it tonight.really really challenging yet enjoyable.i still have 2 more understudy to go!Chiong ar!hahaha!

Right now i'm keeping 2 things as my focus point.excel in my school and strive to be a good animal keeper.it seems like eversince i've become a full-time keeper,my life seems pretty much busy as a bumble-bee!wahahahaha!but i loike!the learning journey is exhilirating!

Before i enter lala land,heres a picture of one of our indian rhino.How cute can a big animal get?hehehehe...

Happy 18th Birthday Fadhilah!

2008-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Yea!a quick shout-out to my dear Fadhilah who's turning 18 within a few hours!
(Psst!me and adilla dropping by ur house tonight to give u a surprise!well,if u happen to read this before 12midnight,i guess theres no more surprise!wahahaha!)
Anyway,heres sending u lotsa blessings and buckets full of colours for the years to come!
and..oh!hope u like my very own hand-made present for u!=)

+++

So,todays my first day as full-time keeper in Night Safari!

Got my new badge..printed below my name-Junior Keeper.haha..i feel awkward.

Theres not much changes.i guess the feeling will come when i start my night shift understudy next week.i checked my roster and i have 3 understudy..after that,i'm all on my own to do my night shift.haha..i admit i feel nervous yet excited.haha..seems like i'm a small kid getting all excited =p

Wanted to share with you some pictures of our pangolin,Bukit!

His tummy is extremely round and nice!wahahahaha!

Welcome abroad!

2008-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

"Welcome abroad sabrina!" he said.
"Thank you!Thank you!" i replied joyously..

I've converted into a full-time keeper in Night Safari.
I know i will able to cope with studies and work =)
I'm nervously excited to do night shifts.haha..
I'm here to learn more things and i'll work even harder now!
I know that things will be slightly more different and harder but i know that i can pull through this.I have to keep myself strong and keep learning!

Tomorrow's a new day,welcome abroad sabrina!haha..

Two paths diverged and i took the less taken...

seeing things in a different light =)

2008-01-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Was browsing through my picture folders when i decided to post this picture up.
I started reminiscing about the times when i was at singapore zoo.
During that period,i was crazily in love with all the animals..i mean now i'm crazily obssesed with my job at night safari!muahahaha!
But i recalled that everything was so simple last time.learning and enjoying every step that i take.i guess things changes now..greater responsibilities and theres high expectations.
I see each challenge in a different light now.I'm much more calmer now and i take each challenge in much more different way.i guess thats how people change to become better.

I know i still have a long way to go.haha..but i'm prepared to learn.
I think my biggest mistake now is that i'm so caught up in doing my job with perfection that it edges me.Its kind of funny cause thats not who i am.i'm not the kind who strives for perfection.i'd rather do things to the best that i can.i do push myself but i do know when to stop.I've decided to dedicate that energy and time into simply enjoying my job just like last time.And also,making more observations on my animals!

So,yup!!i'm enjoying this learning journey though i do have times when i prefer to be quiet and times when i'm super sugar-high.wahahaha..i cant give the perfect definition of life but i do know that its like a roller-coaster ride,sometimes you're up sometimes you're down =)

Anyways,i still have yet to see the baby capybaras.think i'm gonna drop by west loop tmr during lunch break!

simple day out!

2008-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

Met up with sofia to visit our dearest melay teacher,cikgu hairiani who's been admitted to NUH.
She was taking her nap so we left her a card and a bear as we didnt want to disturb her.
haha..but the funny thing was,a few hours later..i received a message from her..
"why didnt you wake me up?i miss u lah"
hahahaha..its been really long since we met!Get well soon cikgu!!!

Then we met up with Jaya to catch a movie..The House!
haha..jaya didnt know that it was a horror movie (plus i keep telling her that its a family movie!ya ryte!)..and she was so freaking out throughout the movie!sorry we didnt let you know ;)
And sofia was screaming..i was basically sitting in between them.so you can imagine the pain i had to go through..haha..kidding!
I enjoyed their company alot! =)

The House was very freaky manz!*twothumbsup*i felt like jumping out of my seat the whole time!wahahaha..and so they say about the effects of horror movies...

Simple day out.I enjoyed myself.Its interesting to see how we've changed no matter how big or small the growth is each time we meet.Take care gals!!until we meet again..=)

CooLnesS

2008-01-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

The thing about working with animals is that its so colourful .
You're greeted with new experiences and new challenges.
Captured some interesting observations at work!

I was tying the meat for the vultures.To my surprise,when i turned around,one of the vultures had both its wings opened wide!I didnt feel scared or nervous or what but i simply go WOW!hahaha..i'm still not very certain why it did that but i reckon that it was cooling itself because it rained awhile ago.haha..i will find out from my headkeeper.

Meet my choir mouflon squad!Lalalalala..haha.this is truly a rare picture!its a family portrait!

Thomas!he never never comes this close to me but today he did!he sniffed and looked at me!

Our pangolin,Hook doesnt get nervous when i carry him now.Super happy manz!i can tickle his tummy without getting scratched!wahahaha..

This is very very rare!our barking deers are pretty shy animals.rare chance for me to spot the baby suckling from its mummy.

Haha..all i can say now is,thank god for the invention of camera phone!capturing precious moments anywhere,anytime!(okays,tat sounds like an advertisement)..ta!

Sleeping!

2008-01-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

I crave sleeping!!wahahaha..
I've been feeling very lethargic and tired.By the end of the day,as soon as my head touched the pillow,i'm off to my la-la land!haha..
Even a 1hr nap is so so precious!

Anyways,today i did animal restraint on my mouflons!
we had to catch one by one,13 of them while the vets injected deworming medication.
I was very very nervous when it was my turn to grab hold of them.
Haha..but it turned out to be rather easy.The challenge was after i grab hold of them,i had to cross over my leg..i mean like riding a horse.Oh my!they sure have the strength!I was practically thrown off!muahahaha!
It was very nice to be cheered upon by the vets and cynthia while i catch the mouflon.haha!
Doing animal restraint requires quick yet wise reaction.
Impt lesson learnt today =)

=Meet my gharials=

=Ultimate favourite,Fishing cat=

=Tailess is doing great!she's finally calmed down and doesnt get nervous when i feed her by hand=

Thoughts

2008-01-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

I think my body is waving its white flag already.haha.
I have never felt that tired before!
Alot of things on my mind.Growth..rawrr!its mind-boggling!
Changes,Adaptations..these words are pretty much my companion these days.haha.

I guess there comes a point where we'll need to embrace change and not see it as a complete no-no.hmm..things hasnt been really going my way.i would be foolish to think that things will always go my way though!*winks*
I think i have grown alot calmer through all the kinds of winds that god has put me through.
I do know that there are higher mountains for me to climb.
I guess life can be like a domino..you arranged everything nicely but one slight mistake..woosh!
everything falls.But through all those mistake,you learn,pick urself up and come out with a better strategy.

Oh wells,how complicating can life get?haha..everyone gets a piece of it.

+++

Back at work,20 new flamingos just arrived at my section today!!

I was given a chance to learn to hold them and carry them to their new home.

It was also very nice to see marie and work together with her!its been so long!haha..

A funny incident happened when we were transfering the flamingos.

This particular flamingo was in between me and haidar when it suddenly flap its wings and gave us a really nice smack on our face!

I swear!i smelt like flamingo after that.wahahaha!

But its nice to welcome the new animals!

Xiuting and i went abit mad and really random.

I was washing down the mouflon's cliff and she was below me when we started talking about the korean drama series Coffee Prince.haha.we talked about songs and she kept saying that theres a HUGE generation gap between the both of us.

she pretended to be serious but we ended up laughing like mad!

Ouhkays..i need sleep!i feel like a dazed-zombie!wahahaha..

School's been crazy!tests!tests!tests!

i want to do my runs before starting work tmr...

yup!ta!=)

My name is Sabrina!rawr

2008-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

And so,the people at work have been calling me Sabariah or Sabarina just because of some misunderstandings over the spelling of my name.
Wahahahaha!tats so unglam =p
Dino,called me over the walkie-talkie "Fishing cat trail keeper,Sabariah coming over" 3 times today!*rawr*
Revenge!Revenge!Revenge!
Hahaha..well at the end of the day,its all for the fun of it..

After morning tea-break today,we went to search for Razak.We actually intended to sabo him cause technically his birthday was 2days ago but just for the records,even if its 1 or 2 days later or before your birthday,you'll be sabo-ed for sure!
Bwahahaha..Razak completely freaked out!
Fortunately,its just his lucky day as we just came to give him a scare.False alarm!
But one's thing for sure,we can never forget the look on his face!wahahaha!

Haha..thats basically how our relationship is like.We are serious when dealing with our animals..
BUT!you never know who are the kings and queens of sabo,joke,pranks,laughter and oh so many to mention!

+++

Tailess,is back home!Her appetite is improving.Gave her 2 servings of food and she almost left the bowl clean!Great gal! =D
Lisa's tummy is getting bigger and bigger!waiting really patiently for her babies!cant describe how adorable she looks like when she sleeps!

Tiring yet fun day!But i'm still not sleepy.I'm gonna read up on my molecular bio notes.haha..
mum and dad's on their little vacation.Guess i'll have sunday to myself!need some sleep and good food and time with my cat!muahahahaha!

RuNs

2008-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

In search for a new place to do my runs,i chose my workplace,Night Safari!
*weeuuweet!*
Came early to work this morning and started my runs.
I'm telling you the feeling is fantastic!Very very refreshing!
After work,in the late afternoon,i did one more round of runs.
This time!it was extremely nice cause i get to see all the animals from the rhinos to the lions!
Think its good for animal keepers to keep fit cause we're always on the move..haha.
Yeah!me happy =)
Roger and Out!

When my animals get CRANKY!

2008-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are always something to look forward to,theres feeding for my mugger crocodile and false gharial.Every week,you get to see different sorts of behaviour.Wahaha..i do admit that i get that nervous reaction when its feeding time!

Especially for my mugger crocodile,it requires really accurate aiming cause they're so pampered?hehehe..sometimes if we throw the meat at the wrong place,they simply refuse to eat.Thats why i'll always walkie for my partner whenever its the mugger feeding time..and the call is very standard-"Xiuting come in,i'm feeding the mugger now,could you come over?"..muahahahaha!

+Treatment time!+

So,there were a few treatments today.Shadnt narrate much on it but i learnt alot.Especially regarding animal restraint.I'm still learning but they said that soon i'll have to do the animal restraint too.O_O Good Luck!haha..

+Frodo,sitting pretty+

Mr Twisties had his hoove trimmed today and some x-ray taken.Well,Mr macho is getting older and he has to look after himself more now!hehe..Though Frodo can be extremely mean,i still find him 'irritatingly-cute'..wahahahaha!

+Creeping in+

+Makan time!+

My pelicans were very cunning today!Normally they would be waiting in the water during feeding time but today they slowly creep into the sandbank while i had my back turn.Plus!one of them gave me a harmless peck on my arm while i was feeding.Hmph!haha..still,they are my funny birds.

+++

I've decided to do my morning runs at work instead of my jogging track.In that way,i can straight away change and start work all freshen up!Ta =)

Its just 1 of those weeks..

2008-01-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Bobby is behaving just like a little baby,though he's not one.haha.

He has not fully recovered yet,still a little bit pampered and lazy.

So,we had to make him walk around to exercise his leg.

Haha!now that i've said it,seems like Bobby is my pet dog..

The last few weeks at work has been tiring.

There were alot of things to do.

But,its nice to see us working together..yeah Teamwork!

I'm a bit worried cause my back has been hurting..rawrrr

I was so tired during the afternoon break that i just laid down infront of my section's doorstep!

wakakaka!couldnt care much =p

.
Plus something freaky happened to me at work yesterday.

Haha!i shadnt narrate it here cause only me and the tiger keepers know.

But whatever it is,i have never rode on my bicycle that fast in my life before.hahahaha!

Its funny but it always happen around the same place.

But come to think about it now,i cant help it but to laugh at myself as my reaction was super funny!!Fortunately nobody saw my reaction or else i'll be super duper 'paiseh'!

.
Hmm..there comes a point in your life when you'll start pondering about alot of things.And sometimes you keep asking yourself "why me?"

Sometimes it seems like you're searching for the answers but yet when the answers are so near to revelations,you just feel like as if you dont want to hear them.

Its weird cause i'm not a person who will constantly ponder and ponder for qns and answer.

Haha..alot of things are on my mind now.Trying to take things one step at a time.

New experiences every single day.

.
Perhaps 2008 is a year for me to embrace change and experience growth in a much more deeper sense.

I always tell god that you can throw me in whatever whirlpool that you want but let one thing remain-let me rise up strong again and be with my animals =)

Get well soon shout-out to my animals!=D

- Tailess..make sure you eat more!haha..i know you hate the hospital but u'll be home soon!

- Bobby..exercise more and i'll give you long beans!

- Fishing cat..eat your medication dear.Then u can meet ur frens again!haha..

- Otters..haha!u rascals!please get well soon!

My second animal enrichment!

2008-01-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

Environmental enrichment is the process of providing stimulating environments for Zoo animals in order for them to demonstrate their species-typical behavior, to allow them exercise control or choice over their environment, and to enhance their well-being.

And so,this time round i created an enrichment for my Fishing Cats!

Step 1: Get a toilet paper roll

Step 2: Stuff it with straws

Step 3: Then stuff it with small cut pieces of fish or other meat

Step 4: Smear the roll with fish to stimulate fish smell

Step 5: Ready for enrichment!

Well,think it was a good start.Initially the cats displayed some curious behaviour patterns.1 of them actually bite the whole roll!I expected them to rip the roll to get the fish but,haha..they got bored and went away.

Haha..i didnt tell the people in section about my enrichment yet.I want to further improve on it first.(abit paiseh..haha.whats a part-time keeper doing,experimenting on an enrichment?haha)I just feel like trying to do more than just my normal jobscope.Life's all about experimenting and embracing change!

Yusof thought me how to drive the buggy at work!Total chaos manz..haha.But i think i'm improving as compared to the last time that i tried.

Roger and Out!

Bobby is BACK!

2008-01-10T23:47:00.000-08:00

+Those days at the hospital+

My dearest Himalayan Tahr,Bobby is back home after spending so many months at the hospital!He's abit sickly but i feel that he looks much better at home.He's still as nice as ever.He needs to exercise his right hindleg so we are basically here to exercise with him!I love Bobby alot!!!Get well soon buddy!

+Tailess with her signature pose+

Tailess is back at the lab again.She hasnt recovered from her previous surgery.That explains why she hasnt been eating much.But she gobbled down 2 whole hard-boiled eggs when i visited her at the lab.I hope theres no complications with her.All i want is for her to get better and come back!I love all my binturongs.haha..they have popcorn smell!It still feels weird without Kachang around though.But i do know that Kachang is safe and sound.Get well soon tailess!!i'll visit you often!

Growth

2008-01-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

My first week of 2008 got me into a lot of thinking and realisations.
I see what the world is like now.
(I shadnt talk much about school cause it has been good)
I love my life just the way it is ,studying and working at the same time.
Well,everything seems to be very colourful,in short just like a fairy-tale for me.
Being able to work with animals is a blessing and i enjoy every step of it.
But i can see now that the 'steps are getting less visible'...i can sense that i'm put into a test,
not by my animals but the people.

Everywhere we go,we have to meet different people.
Sometimes being nice to others aint that good..as not everyone will actually remember what you did.I've realised and started to accept the reality that since young,i was often made use of and then 'discarded' or even stepped on.Even my horoscope states that!I guess i was very naive but now,its beginning to bite me back.Honestly,it does gave me a huge fright and also shock to realise that the word 'friendship' doesnt really fit in the working world puzzle.perhaps abit but not the whole of the jigsaw puzzle.

My vision is starting to widen.One by one,little by little,i'm getting bitten by many.
It does frustrates me a whole lot.I mean..really,a whole lot!
Dont call me friend if you dont mean it!*roar!haha*
I'm shocked myself too that such things actually affects me but hey!this is the reality of the workforce.Haha..its pretty disappointing too.
Half the time on my way home,i do feel irritated.
Haha..it hurts.it really does hurts to be stepped on,used or whatever..but what hurts the most is to slowly and painfully realise that by myself.

I've learnt from the hard way and i see what the world is now.
Humans will always be humans..
Haha..experiences like these brought back so much memories of my times in secondary school.
But i know that i cannot back-track.Life still goes on.

Survival tips!I cannot afford to be sensitive and soft-hearted.
If i want to survive,i've got to hold my grounds and be strong.
Time to learn to be professional.

Life is as such..complex.
I seldom blog this way but today i just feel like lashing eveyrthing out.
Its ok,tmr will be a better day!
And then i've come to realise that this is what i call-GROWTH.

You need to let the world see the real you today. In order to do so, step out and give everyone a good, long look. Show off both your hotness and your intellect. In situations where you might have usually played dumb in an effort not to look like a know-it-all, today you should not be afraid to own up to the fact that most of the time (if not all of the time), you are the smartest person in the room. There is no point in trying to avoid intimidating people who aren't as smart as you.

The pain to bid farewell

2008-01-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

Its never easy to say goodbye to your loved animals,especially to those whom you held so close to your heart.My special one,kachang had to be euthanised today.She was down with high fever and i could sense that something bad is going to happen when her old illness came back a few weeks ago.

Last night when i received the message that kachang wasnt doing well,i felt that pinch in my heart.This morning i rushed to her den and found her not doing good at all.When the vets decided that euthanasia was the last resort,my heart really really sank.I tried my best to stay strong but i went to hide to let those heavy tears just flow.

Kachang was like our section's little baby.I love her alot.Anybody who sees her will love her.She might not be just like any other normal binturong but to me she is very special.I'll miss hand-feeding her.I'll miss stroking her.I'll miss carrying and hugging her.I'll miss those times when i'd come inside the binturong's den and see her as the first one 'greeting' me.I'll miss feeding her favourite fruit-durian.I'll miss her presence.Our friendship was very special as we had trust in each other.There was love and joy.

Her departure meant an end to her suffering but an incomplete journey of friendship with me.I cherish those times i had with her.She is one truly special animal.I have a lot to learn from this experience.May you rest well my dear friend.

Special thanks to those that cheered me up today!=)

My SaTuRdAy

2008-01-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

I'm back after a long day!
Drop by the zoo to help out at my dearest Fragile Forest.
Its always nice to see the animals there!
Boey,the Black and White ruffed lemur is doing extremely well.
He's my all time favourite =)

Heres a glimpse at the Tamandua..he's pretty shy but moves extremely fast.Haha..you wouldnt want to interfere with him as he's got a pair of powerful claws!

As usual,we laughed alot and talk ALOT!

Rubiah sprained her back.Get well soon ya!!!

I'll be adopting 2more gerbils from there.

Mum will lose her head if she finds out about this though..haha

1cat,4gerbils(now 2more),1hamster,2terrapins..

Supposed to meet Jaya and Sofia after that for a get together but sofia's not free..

so its just me and jaya.

Yup,she's still growing taller and taller.

We had simple dinner but we talked alot.haha..

Her experience of her project at Ooty was awesome!

Jaya has grown alot and i'm so happy for her!

You take care and just be yourself cause that makes you so special!

+haha..both of us are actually tired but heys!still a great meet-up!+

I'm still doing my runs!

I feel better now cause i'm much more discipline to follow my schedule.

Sometimes after a bad day,i'll feel all tired and 'shitty'..but after forcing myself to run,

TaDah!i'll feel much more relaxed and composed.haha..the power of exercising =)

2008-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Did my runs this morning!The breeze was simply nice.Nice air!Nice music!Nice morning!

So,yesterday,the reporter for the youth section of the chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao took me for an interview.I was smiling all the way.wahahaha!but what i do know was that i answered everything genuinely.Took photos with Aman,the star Himalayan Tahr after the interview.I didnt want to look into the camera cause i wanted it to look natural..haha and partly because i was shy!wahahahaha..i guess,we'll just see whats the outcome will be like once the news is out!

My binturong,"Tailess" was warded in the vet hospital yesterday.She's fine after the surgery.She just needs alot of rest.It will feel different without her around with the rest back at my section.Normally when i do the cleaning,she'll be the one climbing up the fences like some spiderman.Nobody can have the sleeping style as her.When she sleeps,her legs and hands are completely open!haha..Get well soon dear!=)

I tried something!I have no idea if the bats in the aviary like longan so i just tied a few bundles to the branches.The next day,the bundles are still there but the fruits are gone.I'm so happy!!

Hmm..2days off.I'm dropping by zoo tmr!*SuperBigSmile*

Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.

2008,Here i COME!

2008-01-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

(Overdue photos taken by Avalene)

Things have been great.My animals are good.

We have a new pangolin and i find him extremely cute and chubby!wakakaka!

hmm..i'm pretty worried for one of my fishing cat and
binturong.Get well soon darlings!
Bobby is still at the lab..he's grown fatter and my section blames me as i've been pampering him so much 'delicacy' everytime i visit him!sorry guys!haha..=p

Someone told me something yesterday.."a keeper must constantly strive to have a better knowledge of the animals and understand them.Then the bonds can be built"

I'm easily inspired and i thank you for telling me this.It sounded so straight-forward but yet holds a lot of meaning. =)

I will work hard!2008.here i come!

Embracing 2008

2007-12-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

Completed 4km just now.
Refreshed!!
I should tune in.Tmr will be a long day!catching the sneak preview of Alien vs Predator with the night safari familyafter work.It'll be fun.
Embracing 2008 =)

+My dear Lisa,i'm anticipating the day you'll give birth!+

ThankfuL 2007

2007-12-28T22:54:00.000-08:00

Before i am able to greet 2008,let me just make some dedications to the people that made me feel thankful for 2007 =)

> Fishing Cat Trail

Haha..i never even expected to be posted to this section.Theres new things to be learnt every single day.Haha..i know i can be such a stubborn monkey at times but thank you for teaching and guiding me till now,though i've done so many mistakes.You guys taught me alot right from the basic of animal care-taking to animal restraint.Thank you for making me independant,wiser and sharing with me all your share of stories.The animals are LOve!i promise to work hard ;)

> Leopard Trail

+Missing:Halim,Razak,Joe,Janice,Marcus+

I think our relationship started in a very funny and warm way.Though i was here for less than 2 weeks,i felt the strong bonds!You guys are so funny yet very professional in your work.Thank you for the friendship!Thank you for your advices,jokes,pranks and not to forget your knowledge of the animals.We are one family!haha..i can never find any other siblings like you guys!Good luck!

> Singapore Zoo

+My (really) early days at the zoo+

This is the place where my whole animal journey started.During my early days at the zoo,i was like a little child,so excited and jumping here and there.I started as an SPH Conservation Ambassador.Coming down every saturday and public holidays to do my duty.

> Fragile Forest

My 1 year of volunteering here was simple memorable and awesome.I learnt so much from you guys!Here is where i really get to see and experience behind the scenes of working with animals.It doesnt just take passion for animals but a whole lot more!I can never thank you guys enough for every single thing!I know i'm not so 'ON' as last time as i have work at night safari and school now,BUT!i'm really thankful that we're still able to keep in touch.I'll drop by when i can.Meanwhile,do take care and have a blessed year ahead!

> Marie&Yanti
Marie,though i still bump onto you at work,i do miss those times when i worked together with you.Haha..you're the first keeper that i've worked with!You've taught me alot and i can never say thank you enough.I'm glad that your doing good and (finally) putting on weight!muahahaha..thanks for everything!you've been an inspiration!

Yanti,i always wished that we should have met long long time ago!haha..i still remembered all your shows.though our friendship was very short,i still think that you're such a nice person!wherever you are and whatever you're doing now,i'm here to wish you the best!!

> Friends

To every single person,thank you for being my pillars of strength.Each of you have a way of making me feel inspired to soar in one way or another!Friends till the end!

> Family

Mum,dad,brother..thank you for slowly accepting my interest in my animals!i know i can be such a pain but i always know that at the end of the day,i can let out everything and you will still accept me for who i am!Please come to the zoo or night safari,one day..it'll change your heart =)

Random Rants =p

2007-12-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

THE LETTER 'A'

What is your Age?- seVenteeN

What Annoys you?- particularly when i do things without thinking

THE LETTER 'B'

Do you live in a Big house?- its pretty big enough for me to run around with my cats!

When is your Birthday?- Four MaRch

Who is your Best friend?- Mummy =)

THE LETTER 'C'

What's your favorite Chocolate?- All kinds!

When was the last time you Cried?- umm..guess it was a few weeks back.

THE LETTER 'D'

Do you Daydream?- haha..at times

What Day of the week is it?- ThursDay

THE LETTER 'E'

Have you ever been in the Emergencyroom?- NoPe

Did you had a crush dat starts w/letterE?- NoPe

THE LETTER 'F'

Favorite Flower?- SunFlower!

THE LETTER 'G'

Do you chew Gum?- haha..cant recall when was the last time

Are you a Giver or a taker?- I tend to give more than i take

THE LETTER 'H'

What's your Height?- 166cm

What color is your Hair?- BlacK

THE LETTER 'I'

What's your favorite Ice cream?- actually no preferences but chocolate is nice =)

Have you ever Ice skated?- yesh..

Do you play an Instrument?- guitar..but i barely made it

THE LETTER 'J'

What's your favorite Jelly bean?- miX!

Have you ever heard a really hilariousJoke?- almost everyday!i'm surrounded by funny people!

Do you wear Jewelry?- i just wear ear-studs.i dont quite fancy jewelry.haha..

THE LETTER 'K'

Who do you want to Kill?- nah..

Do you want Kids?- =]

Where did you have Kindergarten?- Clementi!

THE LETTER 'L'

Are you laid back?- sometimes cause i'm born with an itchy butt!

THE LETTER 'M'

Whats your favorite Movie?- wow alot..

Do you still watch disney Movies?- havent had the time to..

Do you like Mangoes?- its my all time favourite!=9

THE LETTER 'N'

Do you have a Nickname?- lets see..sab/ina/rina/na/sabby/substitute/submarine..

Whats your favorite Number?- 13

Do you prefer Night or day?- DaY!

THE LETTER 'O'

Whats your One aim?- Lifespent with my animals!

THE LETTER 'P'

What one fear are you most Paranoidabout? - losing myself..

What's a Personality trait you lookfor in the opposite sex you like?- gOOd heart

THE LETTER 'Q'

Are you Quick to judge people?- i think humans have tat tendency to..but i seldom try not to judge people so quickly =)

THE LETTER 'R'

Do you watch Reality tv?- hehe..i used to watch FearFactor!

THE LETTER 'S'

Do you prefer sun or rain?- sUn

Do you like Snow?- never felt it before but yeah i loike!

Season ?- living in singapore,i dont have a ChOice ;)

THE LETTER 'T'

What Time is it?- 10.35pm

What time did you wake up?.- ard 6plus in the mOrning

THE LETTER 'V'

Whats the worst veggie?- hmmm...

Where do you want to go on Vacation?- currently?hmm..bali?

THE LETTER 'W'

What's your Worst habit?- eating chocolates early in the morning =p

THE LETTER 'X'

Have you ever had an X-ray?- YuP!

THE LETTER 'Y'

Do you like the color Yellow?- i'm cool with it.

What Year were you born in?- 1990

Wat do you Yearn for?- Simple joy,love,peace

THE LETTER 'Z'

Whats your Zodiac sign?- PieCes

Do you believe in the zodiac?- at times..haha

My first enrichment

2007-12-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

I did my very first enrichment yesterday!
Actually it wasnt planned at all.
I was preparing food for the bats in the aviary when i realised that theres alot of starfruits.
Thinking that it was christmas,a special occasion,i thought of 'decorating' the aviary using the fruits!
I sliced the starfruits into many many pieces.
Then i slid them through a string together with some bananas.
(muahahaha!xiuting thought that it looked like a hawaii necklace!)

And finally i hung the enrichment!
Tadah!

I know its pretty 'alien' looking but hey!its an original idea!

The bats were checking the enrichment and soon enough they ate some of the fruits from the enrichment.

Mulyadi happen to stay behind and look at my enrichment.Got some advices from him.Thank you many many!hehe..and not to forget xiuting who turned out to be very supportive =p

Xiuting and I checked our work roster and realised that yesterday was the last time we'll see each other for this 2007.

So,we talked crap and joke non-stop the whole night!knowing that nobody can talk non-stop like us!muahahahahaha!

I stayed behind after work,partly because:

-No one's at home

-Accompany xiuting (she was doing day/night shift..hehe)

-To see how successful my enrichment would be

Sat on Dino's buggy after that as he did the night token feeding.Laughed alot!I laughed so hard till i teared!muahahahaha!

Well,thats it for now.Rawwrrrr!

Visit to the Zoo

2007-12-23T03:34:00.000-08:00

Its been very long since i drop by to the zoo.
I've been keeping in touch with the people at Fragile Forest and its really nice to hear how the animals are doing.BUT!best is to come and meet my animals face to face =)

Haha..i cant tell you how much i miss all my animals!
It also brought back so much memories of my early days at the zoo.
How time flies..but i feel blessed to have been exposed to the animals and people at the zoo and of course now with Night Safari =)
I picture everything like my stepping stones.
There were many road junctions and i had to choose the best crossing to take.
I took no short-cuts for i dared myself to take up whatever challenge i will be put into.

Now,i'm still learning each day,doing the best that i can!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today is also Peiyun's last day at the zoo.

Heys buddy!i respect your decision and i wish you all the very best!

I'll miss you alot!Stay strong and passionate.

You've worked hard and i'm glad that you're doing something that you like! =)

PISCES - The Partner for Life

2007-12-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Random..

Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. High appeal. Has the last word. Good to find, hard to keep. Passionate, wonderful lovers. Fun to be around. Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily. Lover of animals. Very caring, make wonderful nurses or doctors. They always try to do the right thing sometimes get the short end of the stick. They sometimes get used by others and hurt because of their trusting. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. Good friend to other but need to be choosy on who they allow their friends to be.

Little discoveries

2007-12-20T01:20:00.000-08:00

I've been down with this really horrible fever since tuesday.
It was so painful that i teared.
My head was spinning but i forced myself to complete my last 2 basketball match.
Plus nobody's at home.Booo..
Well,i'm better now!went for a run this morning and felt better =)

The last few weeks were crazy.
I suddenly find myself immersed in alot of thinking.
Not sure if this is called-growth though.
But i find myself happy,frustrated,agitated,excited and the list goes on..
haha..i dont understand whats going on.
Show me the light!hehe..

But i tell myself..lets just enjoy the simple joy of life and live it to the fullest=)

Anyways,i finally spotted the grandis tortoise in the aviary!
I was like so happy when i spotted it.wahahaha..cause its pretty hard to spot them.
Little spotting like this make me SMILE!hehe..

Witnessed some interesting observations of the fishing cats.
AGGRESSIVE behaviour!
I keep wondering when will be the day when i can carry and cuddle my fishing cats..
muahahahaha..

Okays!i have a confession to make!i talk to myself when doing food preparation.

I like to experiment myself with the choices of fruits for the binturongs and the bats.

I like to give starfruits to my binturongs!i have no idea why but it just looks nice =p

I was releasing the water pool for the mugger crocodile when my attention turned towards the rhino!Haha..she was slowly approaching me while i slowly took a few snapshot of it.

I find her behaviour really interesting and yes!she is huge and beautiful!=D

2008 is coming....

Dont forget to SMILE!

2007-12-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

I ran 4km in the morning.
I ran 4km again just now..
muahahahahaha!i cant help it.
You know those days when you simply just cant sit still and you feel like doing something good/healthy/fulfilling/....
Perhaps,this is just a post-examination syndrome ;p

I like to run..preferably by myself.
Listening to my favourite music,breathing in the fresh air (i mean it aint that fresh all the time though)..the wind brushing through my face.Ah!Perfect!
Then,i'll feel refresh the next day!Ready for new challenges!wooohooooo!

Back at work,i cant hold my excitement any longer.
Lisa,our binturong is giving birth anytime from now!
I simply adore my animals and moments like these are what i'd usually say-simple joy.

+This happen to be on one of the walls in school..i find it rather cute though.Theres a saying, dont frown,you never know who's falling in love with your smile!+

Olrites,gotta go!have work tmr!=D

Exams are over!

2007-12-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

Its been raining crazily!
It gets so cold that i kept drinking hot milo at work!muahahahaha..
Anyways,my exams are over!
I dont have to rush from work to school..for now,at least.hehehe...

Yea!I'll be working in section4 for 2 days!
Its been ages since i worked there.
The Giraffes,Leopards,Sugar Gliders,Oryxs,Zebras,Golden cat,Clouded leopard (the list goes on)..and of course!the people!
Haha..my journey in leopards trail wasnt a complete one.Before i knew it,i was transfered to fishing cat trail.But!things happen for a reason.
It gives me the opportunity to expose myself to many animals =)

+Drew this during my lecture..hehe+

+Balu!+

+my Big cat+

We did enrichment for our fishing cats and otters!

It was very interesting ;)

I'll be staying back somewhere next week to see how the people do the night shift,this time round in fishing cat trail.

Hehe..the last time i stayed behind was in leopards trail.

Super cool!

+Good morning!+

I'm adopting 2 more cats!

Haha..i'm the kind who needs cats in my life.especially FAT ones.muahahaha!

Now my cat will have friends to play with while i'm away from home!

Keepers Night 2007

2007-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Keepers Night was extremely crazy!
Thanks to too-many-to-mention,i got sabo-ed 2 times consecutively.

First game was putting rafia strings from your top shirt to bottom pants and connect to the next person..aiyoh!i'm the only girl eh..
Second game,was some sort of a Fear Factor challenge..the challenge was to eat mealworms,crickets and 2cups of i-dont-know-what!again..i'm the only girl eh!
Ah!!!Revenge!Revenge!Revenge!muahahahaha...

It was the first time that i see the zoo and night safari people come together.
It was like a big family reunion!
There were alot of laughters and crazy people.
well,cool experience for me.
will post the pictures taken soon!

Woke up early this morning for training.
TIRED!hehehe..
But i felt refresh after doing the runs.
Okays!i need some sleep!

For their rights

2007-12-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jaya!!
Had a great morning breakfast with ya.Ate hot roti prata with ice milo then sugar cane juice..wakakakaka!i had a bad stomache but i still enjoyed myself.Have a colourful day and all the very very best!Rock OnZZ!

*With Bobby!*

Upon seeing them, a smile lights up my face.

They have endearing qualities we should embrace.

Their ecological footprint is hardly a tracein comparison to that of the human race.

For their rights, a mounting movement makes a case.

They have eyes and a face akin to you and me.

Animals feel and breathe, they hear and they see.

They too want to know life's sweet ecstasy.

Our heart and soul knows they deserve to be free.

Truth compels us to help make it come to be.

They are not commodities for human use.

They were not put here for exploitive abuse.

Their lives have been shockingly put to misuse.

Our oppression of them has no just excuse.

Set the innocent captive animals loose.

Animal abuse lives on every distant shore;all kinds of horror that our souls would deplore.

We treat these love objects and friends to adorelike enemies; on which we have declared a war.

For their rights, a world's heroes will rise to the fore.

Unexpected goodbye

2007-11-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

It pains me so much at my dear Mata's departure.Today was the very first time that i experience such a feeling.My friendship with Mata was no less than 2 weeks but it was trully a memorable one.Today was the first time that i teared for an animal that i barely know but had some sort of a magical connection with.When i see her took her last breadth,i went completely numb.For a second,the journey back from the lab to FCT seem so long.

Whats left are only memories.Her playful and curious nature.Her pretty eyes.Every animal is different and the memories that we have of them will keep them alive.I was hoping for a miracle as i cycled to and fro to the lab to check on her.

My dear Mata,your exit was an unexpected one.I treasure every single second with you.Rest well.Now whats left are only memories...

Crazy week

2007-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

+Morning view at Fishing Cat Trail..i loike!+

Its been a crazy week..well at least i've survived it!School is fine,just that i can feel the stress building up.I'm starting to do notes to prepare for my exams.Knowing how long i can take to do notes on just one lecture,i better start early.hehe..

Theres alot of independent learning required at work.Alot of initiative and confidence needed too!haha..of course at times,i do feel frustrated when i cant seem to be delivering my best.well,one step at a time!Its a huge transition i must say,1year ago i was a volunteer,following and doing as told,sometimes without knowing why.But now,its completely different,greater responsibilities and alot alot of thinking and decision-making.Haha!sometimes i have to really pause and talk to myself!muahahaha!But behind all these adaptation,lies a beautiful experience-observing my animals.

Lisa,our binturong might be giving birth anytime!never seen a baby binturong before.extreme excitement manz!hehe..i'm most excited for Bobby to come home!the vet did an x-ray on him and they say he looks good!*jump for joy*..Bobby is LOVe!hehehe..

+Mata having her beauty sleep!+

Our new pangolin,Mata is adapting well.Yesterday when i entered her den,she headed straight towards me and climbed up my leg.Not to forget that pangolins grip are super strong and tight,i had a pretty hard time getting her back to her nest-box.haha..

+A very rare capture of Frodo!+

Frodo had his hoove trimmed yesterday.It was the first time that i touched him,well he was sedated of course!haha..the last time i called him,he banged his horn against the fence.I find him really funny,the way he's so protective over his girls.Sometimes when he's not happy,he'll sneeze!really!

Simple joy-thats what i call it.I've been down with flu and fever.woke up this morning and i sound no less like mickey mouse!bwhahahahaha..

HPAI drill

2007-11-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

And so,i was made to announce over the walkie that 10 birds were found dead in the aviary.After that i was quarantine in my section restroom.Eventhough this was an exercise drill,the funny thing was i forgot to unlock the door to the aviary.i rushed to the aviary to open the door.By the time i reach there,there were a few of the keepers and Dr sonia in their 'bird flu' suit.Hehe..when they see me,they shouted "Aiyoh!Bird flu!Bird flu!Shooo!Shoooo!"..hehehe..Dr sonia teased me,"I'm afraid we're gonna have to kill you"..muahahahaha!it was a good experience though.

On another note,i'm excited to share with you our new female pangolin.I named her Mata which means eyes.She got really nice and large eyes!really cute but we dont want to stress her too much,so most of the time,we just make careful observations of her =)

+My dear little Mata+

And some pictures of my quiet time with the himalayan tahr.And i'm really glad that Bobby is doing good!He'll be coming back soon.I love making trips to the lab everytime i work just to see him and give him some carrots,long beans,bananas or sweet potatoes.He's got great attitude and is recovering well!

+SMILE!+

Simple joy

2007-11-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

Presenting to you our Himalayan Tahr,Aman!hehe..Aman is such a sweetheart.To me he is a very special and extremely lovable tahr.If you pucker up ur lips near him,he'll give you a kiss!hehe..the people at my section thinks that i'm pampering the tahrs too much by giving them treats like corn leaves,vege,mango,ciku,avocado..muahahahaha!I enjoy seeing them eat and hearing them munch the food.Seeing my animals happy and well brings about great joy to me!

Sometimes watching their curious nature or looking at the young ones who knows nothing about the world,seeing them smell the air..little little things like these will always assure me that i'm not in the wrong direction.The joy of working with animals can never be found elsewhere.No matter how big or small the animal is,every individual has its own beauty and story to tell.

Aman leads the way with his troop of leading ladies =)

We did enrichment for the Indian Gharial today.I've never seen them feed.Today was my first time.When we started throwing the chicken,oh my the way they go for the food is -WOW!Splashing water,growlings,piercing eyes and more growls made my hair stand,not because of fear but rather i was in a state of awe!It was kind of like watching those steve irwin's croc feeding demostrations..hehe.

Sometimes i have too many stories to tell my mother at the end of the day.It can be pretty hard because my family are not animal people.So halve the time when i'm talking,they would zzzzz...hehe.But i do know that deep down they are slowly accepting my passion in animals.

Tomorrow i want to spend my time with Lisa,our binturong.She's suspected to be pregnant and may give birth anytime!!!..Simple life,Simple joy..i cannot ask for anything more =)

Part of the Ocean

2007-11-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

I'm done with my first lab test!It went fine.Had a good run and read this favourite part from Tuesdays with Morrie again..

"I heard a nice little story the other day",Morrie says.He closes his eyes for a moment and I wait.

"okay.The story is about a little wave,bobbing along in the ocean,having a grand old time.He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air-until he notices the other waves in front of him,crashing against the shore.

"My god,this is terrible",the wave says."Look what's going to happen to me!"

"Then along comes another wave.It sees the first wave,looking grim,and it says to him,'Why do you look so sad?'

"The first wave says,'You dont understand!We're all going to crash!All of us waves are going to be nothing!Isnt it terrible?'

"The second wave says,'No,you dont understand.You're not a wave,you're part of the ocean'

I smile.Morrie closes his eyes again.

"Part of the ocean,"he says,"part of the ocean".I watch him breathe,in and out,in and out"

I really miss literature class!haha..the other day i read Twelfth Night by william shakespeare again.Literature is all around us.Its interesting and it helps us to understand people better,though it can be pretty complicating at times.haha..To be or not to be?

Fishing Cat=)

2007-11-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Something to share with you..i find the fishing cats really interesting.I love them alot.We have 9 of them here and they're all so pretty!i think i want to name all of them!haha=)

When swimming, the fishing cat may use its short, flattened tail like a rudder, helping control its direction in the water.
Part of the fishing cat's scientific name, viverrinus, comes from the taxonomic family Viverridae. Like the fishing cat, civets and other members of this group have long bodies and short legs, and many have stripes or spots along the body, and banded tails.

Fishing cats are are listed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's Red List of Threatened Species. They are threatened by habitat loss and hunting for food and fur. People have drained many wetland areas to make room for farmland and roads. Pollution from industries has poisoned rivers and streams where fishing cats once fed. However, fishing cats appear to do well in suburban habitats, so they may prove adaptable to human activities that some other species.

Reminiscence

2007-11-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through my secondary school picture folders and i was reminded of the times when i was in JSS.Those 4 years were the years that i grew and learnt so much.Student Council and Basketball has moulded me into the person that i am today.

23rd Student Council...hmmm where should i start?Always Ready,Ever Willing -our motto.Those camps,those big big events,those fights,those sweat,those tears,those laughters,those pranks,those hugs..all build together to make 23rd a strong batch.We made each other change and become better.Little did we know that we have some kind of effects on each other.My job as a sec2coordinator aint easy.Grooming 24 future leaders of the school was a challenge but thanks to 23rd,the rocky path seemed smoother.Haha..i remembered during our graduation,we talked on and on about the memories and we couldnt find a way to stop.haha..i'm thankful to be part of this warm family=)

+Those lazing moments before camp.hehe!+

And how can i forget basketball?those early morning road runs,never-ending gym sessions,training under the hot sun,competitions,ugly fights(haha!),screamings from sir!i remembered how we'll huddle at the end of the day cause during training we hit,smack,squash each other.haha.well thats how its like when we meet other teams.we ran together when one of us got a punishment.those breakfast,those late supper..those sweat,those funny moments,those moments in the court when we slowly discovered our strength and weakness.Lovely teamates..well being the only melay in the team has the advantage.I got to learn mandarin!hehehe...

Swift as the wind.Quiet as the forest.Quick as fire.Immovable as mountain..coach's favourite line=)

Those times in secondary school were precious.Happens only once.Gosh!i miss those times.But now,we have grown to be independant.I'm happy to have choosen this path that i've taken now,though its a path less taken,working with animals.its gonna be 1year since i joined the singapore zoo family.how time flies.i'm also enjoying and learning alot at night safari.the animals there are love!get to meet alot of different people.theres laughter and joy=)

Well,i have to get back to my books.Until then...ta!=)