Get ready for an exciting and informative experience as we talk with SHONAGH BELL and ERICA HAWORTH, two giraffe keepers from the Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park in Stirling, Scotland!
During this exclusive session, Shonagh and Erica will be sharing their knowledge and passion for giraffe care. Plus, they’ll be joining us live from the Giraffe House at the park!
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these incredible animals and hear firsthand what it takes to care for giraffes in a zoo setting.
SHONAGH BELL
Lead Giraffe Keeper
I have been lead giraffe keeper at Blair Drummond safari park for over 5 years. I absolutely love working closely with our four giraffes. I’m passionate about their overall welfare in captivity and how we can best replicate their lives to that of their wild relatives allowing them to live an enriched, fulfilling long life. This role involves travelling and attending conferences to keep up to date with latest research and publications and also rolling out individual enrichment and training programmes for each of the giraffes.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from University of West of Scotland and a diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria from Sparsholt College Hampshire. I started my career working for Cancer research as an Animal technician on the panel for improving the welfare of animals used in research.
From mice to giraffes I love them all. But in all honesty - giraffes hold a very special place in my heart and I’m honoured to be part of this generation of zoo keepers that are so passionate and open to exploring welfare improvements for our animals through training and enrichment.
ERICA HAWORTH
Large Mammal Zookeeper
Hello, my name is Erica Haworth and I am a large mammal zookeeper at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Scotland. I have over a decade of experience in animal care, beginning in wildlife rehabilitation at a young age in Canada, to a future pursuing my career in zookeeping.
Over the years, I have developed a special passion for giraffes, focusing on their care and enrichment while also facilitating innovative healthcare procedures to enhance their well-being. We are continuously learning new things about the way giraffes live in the wild and how we can mimic a similar atmosphere for our captive giraffes.
A unique aspect of my most recent years within the industry has been training giraffes to willingly participate in their healthcare without the means of any sedatives within reason. This has proved to be a hugely rewarding chapter within my career and it will continue to be an important part of my practice. My commitment to animal welfare drives my continuous learning and improvement in the field. Working everyday alongside these magnificent giraffes has truly been so rewarding throughout my career.
Join us on Saturday, April 26th 2025 at 11am EDT! Not a member of the Junior Giraffe Club? Join today for FREE.