This 25-year-old filmmaking student veered off the beaten track to care for rhinos, giraffes and zebras

This 25-year-old filmmaking student veered off the beaten track to care for rhinos, giraffes and zebras

AN ANIMAL LOVER’S DREAM

While she enjoys interacting with young visitors, the best part of Indah’s job is spending her day with animals.

“Something about animals makes me feel at peace. It is also interesting to see how they live and adapt, especially with how our world is changing,” reflected the self-professed introvert, who often finds herself talking to the animals.

“The highlight of my day is seeing them do weird things. Izara, one of our young zebras, has a new habit of standing on top of the food trough while eating, even though the rest of the herd is also eating from the same trough.

“Our rhinoceros are always playing catching with one another, and our young giraffes love to taunt the wild macaques (monkeys) in the zoo, although they are also scared of them,” she laughed.

She has developed a close relationship with many of these animals. “My favourite zebra is Desta, our big male. He reacts differently to me as compared to the other keepers.

“He is very gentle with me, listens when I call his name and responds well. Compared to my other colleagues, it is easier for me to train him. For the giraffes, I bonded more with Balaji because he is very extroverted and loves attention.”