Werner Marais

Experience

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  Al Bustan Zoological Centre

  Apr 2003 - Apr 2009

  Zoo Manager & carnivore curator

  Responsible for the management and breeding of 2000 individual animals of 133 different species. The Staff included three curators, a Veterinary nurse, Head Keeper, sixteen animal keepers, accountant, horticulture team and a construction team. Representation of Al Bustan Zoological Park at the EAZA annual conference.Completed national and international animal trades with other Zoos and private breeding centre’s. Arranged the CITES, import and export permits and health certificates. Annual game capture for vaccination, transfers and sales were done on most species. Bred various carnivore species such as Jaguars, Black leopards, Clouded Leopard, Cheetah and Leopard Cat.Provided educational tours as part of an education program aimed at the local youth.Bird section included cranes, pheasants, quails, ibis, rhea, flamingos, crowned pigeons, African greys, cockatoos and macaws. Show less

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  Umgeni River Bird Park

  Jan 2013 - Jun 2018

  Zoo Manager

  I oversee the Breeding, husbandry and welfare of all the birds in the collection.I am responsible for the maintenance of all infrastructure and repairs at the Park.The management of an Education and Show Department and a free flight bird show.Responsible for bird exchanges and breeding loans with other facilities and institutions. This includes arranging permits and transportation.Representing the Park at the Cape Parrot Breeding Group, Mabula Ground Hornbill Breeding program and the yearly PAAZA conference.Management meetings with all departments, Union meetings, meetings with Directors and Local Municipal meetings Supervision of ZIMS registrarResponsible for coordination between departments and the financial manager to ensure that monthly expenditure does not exceed the budget. Planning and expenditure of capital funding.Responsible for Human Resources management including recruiting, training, performance management, liaison with unions, disciplinary enquiries and arbitrationResponsible for the Health and Safety of staff, visitors and animals. Including risk assessments of Visitors safety during Free Flight Bird show, visitor facilities including playground & toilets, safety protocol for birds during breeding season and Chemicals used by staff which lead to training of various cleaning products. We constructed a artificial wetland system that was designed to clean natural water runoff and this was incorporated into a 6000 M³ marsh aviary. The extra water is used for irrigation purposes.I led the management team to Pass a PAAZA Operational Audit with 94% pass rate. Show less

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  RPC Promens

  Jul 2018 - Dec 2018

  Warehouse Operative
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  GREEN DRAGON RARE BREEDS FARM AND ECO CENTRE LTD

  Dec 2018 - now

  • Supervisor

    Dec 2018 - now

  • Team Supervisor

    Dec 2018 - now
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  Self-employed

  Feb 2022 - now

  Self Employed