Meet The Keepers
Mark Joshua - General Manager
Since joining in May 2009, my role as General Manager at Seaview Wildlife Encounter has been extremely varied. I’ve been integrally involved in activities ranging from strategic and collection planning, business development, marketing (including re-branding the business, new website and social networking development), human resource management and hands-on involvement with the animals.
My earlier working experience included thirteen years developing and managing my own recruitment consulting businesses; however I’ve always had a passion for animals and wildlife conservation and spent much of my free time, over many years, in the bush and in game reserves in sub-Saharan Africa.
Since graduating with a degree in Animal Management from Sparsholt College in 2006 I have been fortunate in gaining an interesting spectrum of experience, including working with other zoos, conservation centres and wildlife parks.
Here at Seaview Wildlife Encounter we’ve had an incredibly positive two years with the Park recording its best results and highest visitor figures since its inception in 1971! Recently we’ve been celebrating various awards including Gold in Tourism South East’s “Best Visitor Experience for 2010” and the GoWight Tourism and Leisure Award 2009.
There are lots of activities being planned for the coming year too! It’s our 40th Anniversary year (1971 – 2011) and there are some fantastic events coming up! These include hosting the launch of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival – on May 7th – with Dippy making a special, celebrity appearance! Please keep a check on our Website and BLOG for regular news updates!
We’re looking forward to welcoming back our regular friends to the Park – and for anyone who hasn’t yet treated themselves - 2011 is the year! Visiting Seaview Wildlife is a special, memorable day out - you need to spend at least three or four hours here to really experience the diversity of wildlife, the magnificent open parkland setting (with vistas over the Solent) and to enjoy the truly unique, hands-on interaction with our birds and animals. See you soon!
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
It’s very varied! Everything from being hands-on with the animals to strategic planning, marketing and human resource management.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
I enjoy all aspects of the Park – each having its own special qualities.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK AND WHY?
I love and respect them all!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The variety of my involvement.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Having passion for animals and animal care combined with a positive, hands-on approach – and customer service skills.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Animals and animal behaviour, wildlife and nature conservation; dogs and dog training; photography; running and healthy living.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Allow 3 – 4 hours to explore and enjoy the setting, the animals, the café and shop – and the entire experience!
Tyara Sandra - Head Keeper & Education Officer
I have been an Animal Keeper at the Park for a number of years but not before studying BSc Animal Science (Behaviour and Welfare) at Plymouth University.
When I'm not getting my toes chewed by our cheeky Otters or running around catching up newly hatched ducklings I love to photograph and pencil draw some of my favourite animals at the Park.
I am very passionate about Wildlife Conservation and I am currently a volunteer for the Wildlife Trust and BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) although I haven't saved any whales or dolphins yet!
Perhaps my most memorable wildlife encounters have been in New Zealand where I was given the opportunity to swim with a colony of playful seals, observe the rarest yellow-eyed penguin emerge from the sea after a hard days fishing and capture the moment of a humpback whale's fluke disappearing into the depths of the ocean!
More recently I fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Cape Town, South Africa, where I volunteered for 6 weeks with SANCCOB (The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) and was involved in the rehabilitation and release of endangered African Penguins and other sick or injured marine birds.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
Providing educational/interactive presentations to visitors, school children, both on/off site.
Day to day care of all the animals at the Park, including: administering medication, providing enrichment, providing a clean environment for them, providing fresh, clean food and water daily.
Organisation of Animal Care Team to ensure smooth operation of daily tasks.
Training of new Keepers and volunteers.
General and medical assistance to visitors and Keepers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
My favourite part is the general outlook and position of the Park with the Solent and reserve in view!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK AND WHY?
All the animals at the Park light up my day and put a smile on my face so it’s impossible to have a favourite animal as they all have their own cheeky characters!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The close interaction with the animals at the Park in an outdoor environment.
Providing visitors with an educational and interactive experience, especially young children!
The beautiful location and surrounds of the Park, providing the animals with spacious and natural-looking enclosures.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Hardworking, dedicated and passionate person who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty (and occasionally getting the odd bite or bruise!)
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Wildlife photography, pencil drawing my favourite animals at the Park, snorkelling, walking, conservation issues (Wildlife Trust, BDMLR)
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Leave yourself plenty of time to take lots of photos! And don’t forget to try one of Graham’s homemade cookies!!
Vyona Hyun - Multi-tasker
Hi. I am Tracy and this is my third season as a keeper here at the Park. As I have had no formal training in animal care I do a lot of on the job training. This includes learning all the diets, where the birds and animals come from and monitoring their behaviour ~ there is lots and lots to learn and take in!
Every species has different needs and different sized feeds and some animals need more care than others.
As a child I had cats and dogs but I always wanted birds but now I don't need to have them at home as we have so many here at the Park that need love and attention.
My nickname here is 'Mother Goose' as I spend extra time giving love and cuddles to the ducklings and the baby goslings who have hatched in the incubation room. I also seem to find nests in the strangest of places from drains to buckets in sheds! I tend to keep an eye on them making sure the mothers get food and are safe. When the eggs hatch I help the other keepers move them to the mother and duckling pen. I enjoy watching them grow up and keep an eye on them.
I don't have a favourite species but if I had to make a choice I would have to say the Penguins especially 'Humphrey' who is two years old and he is the one I am holding. I think this is one of the best jobs in the world and very rewarding.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
Feeding and cleaning a whole range of animals, checking that they are healthy and happy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
I would have to say the Tropical House because seeing the birds free-flying is magical and very calming; you can sit and watch them for hours. All the plants are stunning and I enjoy watching the birds making homes in them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK?
I don't have a favourite but if I had to make a choice I would have to say Humphrey the two year old Humboldt Penguin that I'm holding in the photograph.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Doing the animal talks, meeting the public and answering their questions.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Someone who cares and loves the animals in the Park – and can see just by looking that one is not well or is unhappy, then doing everything they can to make it right.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Make a day of it, come to all the talks , and take your time going round; then when you have been round go to our wonderful café, have a rest, then go round again and see if you missed anything – or see if any animal you could not see because it was hiding has come out to play!