After nearly 3 decades on the job, this zoo veteran says 'animals are so much smarter than people'
Tap to
previous
frame
previous
frame
Tap to
next frame
next frame
After nearly 3 decades on the job, this zoo veteran says 'animals are so much smarter than people'
Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan
Tap to continue
Despite having a diploma in chemical process technology, Ms Chan Poh Shan decided to pursue her interest in working with animals after being "totally bored" during a laboratory internship.
Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan
Tap to continue
At 20 and with no experience, Ms Chan walked into the zoo’s corporate office asking for a job.
Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan
Tap to continue
She soon landed her first job as a keeper. “The first week was terrible, but the animals were just fun to be with.”
Photo: Chan Poh Shan
Tap to continue
From foxes to pumas, snakes to sea lions – Ms Chan has worked with over 100 species. “You name it, I’ve handled it. Being around animals, training and getting to know them, is the best part of the job."
Photo: Chan Poh Shan
Tap to continue
Ms Chan is now the deputy vice-president of animal behaviour and programmes at Mandai Wildlife Group. She has 70 to 80 workers under her watch and around 800 animals from more than 100 species in her care.
Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan
Tap to continue
She hopes to encourage people to be nicer to animals and not take the natural world for granted. “They created this ecosystem. We’re just living in it.”
Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan