HAIG Seminar: Enriching lives - Environmental Enrichment at the Johannesburg Zoo 

Johannesburg, May 11, 2005 

If you have ever wondered about how non-domestic animals cope with the monotony of life in a zoo, this is the talk for you. This evening will however, not just focus on wild animals, but will also look at enriching the lives and caring for the mental well-being of patients at veterinary facilities as well as the treatment and prevention of claustrophobic behavioural disorders associated with pets living in high-density areas such as complexes. These two speakers are arguably the most knowledgeable in their field and this evening promises to be enthralling.

Presented By: Matthew van Lierop and Marianne de Vries

Date:  Wednesday, 18th May 2005 
Time:  7.00 for 7.30 p.m. 
Cost:  Members R20-00 Non-Members R50-00 
(Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served) 
Venue: Education Centre, Johannesburg Zoo 

Meet at Main Zoo Entrance to take Ferry to Centre. 
Go to www.jhbzoo.org.za for map to get there. 

Booking: Eugenie on 011-884-3156 or echopin@icon.co.za 

OR 

Deona Brough at deona@jhbzoo.org.za or 011 646-2000 Ext 263 

For more information on HAIG seminar at the Johannesburg Zoo, please contact Eugenie on 011-884 3156 or Deona on 646 2000 ext 263.

Editors Note: Presenters’ Background

Human Animal Interaction Group (HAIG) 

Matthew van Lierop: Mathew van Lierop has a BSc Degree in Genetics and Conservation Biology, an Honours Degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology and a Masters Degree in Zoology with a focus on stereotypical behaviour. For just over 3 years, Mathew has been working at the Johannesburg Zoo as Enrichment Coordinator where he facilitates the implementation of enrichment programmes, coordinates behavioural research programmes at the Zoo, and assists in appropriate design of Zoo enclosures. Mathew has attended numerous conferences throughout the world, and has coordinated behavioural workshops. Mathew has written numerous articles on captive animal behaviour for both scientific and general audiences and has appeared in numerous television programmes. Mathew serves on a number of international committees and working groups.

Marianne de Vries: Marianne qualified with a BVSc from Onderstepoort in 2002 and went into small animal private practice. After a year, she returned to the faculty of Veterinary Science to lecture on dog and cat behaviour, welfare and nutrition to the veterinary science- and veterinary-nursing students, while specialising in veterinary behaviour therapy. She also handles all behavioural cases referred to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic hospital. Although environmental enrichment was not part of her original job description, the great need for a positive, non-stressful environment of the animals at the veterinary academic hospital ignited a passion that has not died down. During her first year lecturing at the faculty, Marianne helped to organise a group of student volunteers, who use their time and knowledge to actively improve the environments of all the sick and healthy animals on campus. The project has proved so successful that the number of volunteers has doubled in the second year of the project. She is currently completing her honours in veterinary science and is embarking on a PhD in environmental enrichment of dogs through the University of Utrecht (Netherlands).

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