The petite 20-year-old who has landed the job at Folly Farm
By Rachael Misstear
Twenty-year old zoo keeper Rosie Badger reckons she has
landed the best job in the world as a lion keeper at Pembrokeshire zoo
Folly Farm
Rosie Badger Feeding the Lions
She's just 20, 5ft 4in tall, weighs in at less than 9st – and has
just landed a job managing some of the strongest and most powerful big
cats in the world. Rosie Badger has been picked for what she describes as the best job in the world, as a lion keeper at Pembrokeshire zoo Folly Farm.
She will be responsible for the day to day upkeep of six
African lions at the park – all of which weigh in at over 250kg each - a
staggering four times her own weight. The lions can also reach a height
of more than 8ft tall, towering over their new keeper, when they stand
on their hind legs.
She
has been taught about the strict safety procedures she must undertake
when entering and leaving the enclosure to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of both her and the lions. She has also learned a lot about
the general behaviour of the lions, their diet and how to keep them
stimulated and entertained in their new environment. Pride in the job: Rosie Badger
“I’ve always dreamed of not only working at a zoo but working
with big cats like lions but I never imagined it would become a
reality,” said Rosie, from Pembroke.
“I’ve really enjoyed all the
training we have done and am totally ready to take on my new role. I
literally can’t wait to work with such amazing animals on a day to day
basis. I feel extremely honoured to be given the role by Tim and trusted
with looking after the pride.
“It’s not a job where you can
afford to become complacent. While the lions have built a rapport with
us, we can never take safety for granted. These are dangerous and very
powerful animals.
“In the first few weeks we spent a lot of time
letting them get to know our scent and to trust us. There is strict
protocol that we have to follow making sure safety and security is
paramount.”
Tim Morphew, zoo manager said of Rosie’s appointment: “When
working with lions trust is fundamental and I trust her explicitly. Not
only is she very passionate about lions, she is meticulous and
responsible and a proper stickler for routine which is extremely
important when it comes to lions.”
After spending her childhood
dreaming about working in a zoo, Rosie joined Folly Farm in Kigetty in
2012 after completing her animal science degree at Pembrokeshire
College.
Since then she has been working as a keeper with
everything from giraffes to squirrel monkeys, giving her experience with
a huge variety of animals and develop and enhance her zoo keeper
skills.
Having now landed her dream job as a lion keeper at Folly
Farm, Rosie will be responsible for feeding the lions as well as
cleaning out their enclosure and looking out for their health and
wellbeing. She will also need to ensure that the lions are constantly
stimulated by hiding their food and making them hunt for it and
providing them with toys to play with.
The arrival of the lions at Folly Farm - which has also seen them being fed by former British Lion Ryan Jones
in an encounter with his "scariest opponents yet" - marks the
completion of a £500,000 project to build a purpose-built,
state-of-the-art two-acre enclosure for the lions. It will also
highlight the valuable work the attraction already does with UK charity
Wildlife Vets International as part of its commitment to conservation,
raising awareness and funds for in situ big cat conservation projects.
Having now landed her dream job as a lion keeper at Folly
Farm, Rosie will be responsible for feeding the lions as well as
cleaning out their enclosure and looking out for their health and
wellbeing. She will also need to ensure that the lions are constantly
stimulated by hiding their food and making them hunt for it and
providing them with toys to play with.
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