Conservation centre welcomes new animal curator
Busani Mthiyane previously worked at the National Zoological Garden in Tshwane.
Crocworld Conservation Centre has a newly appointed animal curator, Busani Mthiyane (28).
He hails from Nkandla in northern KZN, and stated that he always had a love for wildlife and working with animals.
He completed his Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation at Mangosuthu University of Technology in 2020. Thereafter, he did a short course in Environmental Law and Environmental Management Legal Enforcement through Unisa.
Busani is currently studying towards a BSc Honors in Environmental Management through the same institution.
Before coming to the mid-South Coast, he enjoyed his stay at the National Zoological Garden in Tshwane for the last five years.
While there, he attended to animal care and feeding, animal capture and breeding, environmental enrichment, conservation administration and stakeholder relations among many other duties.
“I will miss the supportive reptile park team and all the animals under my care, especially the two Komodo dragons Indie and Herman, I’m looking forward to more of a leadership role at Crocworld and getting to know the team and animals,” said Busani.
He is also excited to inspire others to be proactive in wildlife conservation by exposing them to the beauty, diversity and wonders of the natural world. He wants to help visitors understand the inter-dependence and balance of nature and how human actions affect this through awareness programmes.
Busani will be part of the daily animal talks and demonstrations, crocodile feeds and snake interactions. Behind the scenes, he will be attending to animal husbandry, enclosure management, safety compliance, staff management and more.
“In addition to his daily duties, Busani will be involved in several of Crocworld’s ongoing projects and upgrades, including the successful breeding programme of vultures and American alligators,” added the centre manager, James Wittstock.
When he is not working or relaxing at his home in Amandawe Mission, Busani enjoys reading journals, keeping active at the gym or playing a friendly game of soccer with his friends.
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