Dorianne Farin, caretaker of large mammals at Pairi Daiza, reveals her daily life serving giraffes, zebus and shoebills of the Nile. Between enrichments, care and conservation, she shares the challenges and highlights of a profession where patience and passion are the key words.
RTL info: Can you introduce yourself and explain what your job is?
Dorianne Farin: I am a carer for large mammals at Pairi Daiza. My work concerns giraffes, zebu, hippos and Nile shoebills in particular. I arrived here in 2016 as a student, and since 2020, I have been officially working with large mammals.
What inspired you to work with these animals?
When I was a student, I worked with draft horses to deliver branches to giraffes. It was love at first sight. Afterwards, I had the chance to spend time with the Nile Shoebills. These two species fascinated me from the start.
What is a typical day like at Pairi Daiza?
We start by observing the animals in our area to ensure that they are doing well and that there are no health problems. Then, our work is very physical: 70 to 80% of our time is spent cleaning the enclosures, preparing them for the animals to enter and exit, and arranging their habitat. We also install enrichments – games that stimulate animals to forage, thus replicating natural behaviors.
What specific care do you provide to these animals?
We observe their vital parameters daily: the appearance of the eyes, nostrils, their behavior… If any doubt arises, we train the animals to come closer to us voluntarily. This facilitates examinations and allows veterinarians to intervene safely. For example, we work with giraffes to get them used to sensations such as cold or sharp touch, for medical purposes. We have implemented medical training that includes habituation exercises, such as touching the caregiver’s hand, accepting sensations of cold or pressure with gloves, and resisting simulated discomfort. These techniques help minimize stress on the animal during necessary interventions, such as a blood test.
How do you stimulate their natural behavior?
Recently we presented a mirror to the giraffes. Two of them approached, intrigued by their reflection, thinking that it might be another giraffe. We also use olfactory, visual and taste enrichments, such as yoga balls. The animals start by moving away, then approach and interact. These moments are very enriching, both for them and for the visitors.
Do giraffes have specific social behaviors?
Yes, they show strong family support, especially during births, a behavior that we call “nursing”. For example, a mother giraffe may rely on grandmother, aunt or sister to watch over her giraffe while she goes to feed or hydrate. In the natural environment, this nursing is even more marked, because groups often include young immature males who also participate in surveillance. In the park, these behaviors are rarer, but we have a young male who perfectly reproduces these protective attitudes.
Do you have an anecdote or a memorable memory to share?
Attending births is very rewarding. I was lucky enough to see two little female giraffes born. Another notable experience involved a Nile Shoebill that was initially aggressive. With a lot of patience, we established a relationship of trust: today we can feed him by hand and weigh him without problem.
How do you deal with difficult times, such as illness or death?
You never get used to it, but you learn with experience. The loss of an animal is always painful, especially in the case of pathology. However, it’s part of the cycle of life, and we try to focus on the good times.
What is the role of Pairi Daiza in the conservation of large mammals?
Pairi Daiza actively participates in conservation, notably through its foundation. For example, on International Rhino Day, initiatives are put in place to raise public awareness and establish international scientific connections. However, directly reintroducing animals into the wild remains complex due to poaching. We favor protected reserves.
Do you make visitors aware of these issues?
Yes, it is one of our priorities. We have explanatory panels, guided tours and school activities. Raising awareness among young people is essential, because they represent the future generations who will have to preserve this vital ecosystem.
Watch the “Pairi Daiza expedition” show this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on RTL tvi and streaming on RTL play.
Pairi Daiza giraffe animal animals
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