Taronga Western Plains Zoo sad loss
- Thread starter jay
- Start date
Hix,
I didn't know this man but I heard lots of good things about him last week from mutual acqaintances.
Care to share any memories?
I didn't know this man but I heard lots of good things about him last week from mutual acqaintances.
Care to share any memories?
Nathan started at Taronga in the African section in the late 90's. Young, but very keen to learn and with a genuine love for wildlife. He would listen intently to any conversations relating to zoos and wildlife, and would ask questions if he didn't understand something.
In 2002 some positions became available at Western Plains Zoo and Nathan successfully applied so he could see what zoo keeping in an open range facility was like. And while other Taronga keepers that went up to Dubbo returned (or went on to other zoos) Nathan remained.
In 2003 he was sharing a house with a couple of other people on a small property outside of Dubbo and I got to spend a night with them while I was en route to the Northern Territory. He was really enjoying the change and the country lifestyle.
In recent years I've been periodically visiting Gundabooka National Park outside of Bourke, and would stop into WPZ on the way back; it seems Nathan was always working whenever I visited, and we'd always stop for a chat and to catch up (and gossip about goings-on at Taronga).
Two of the animals we both looked after at Taronga were He-man and Burma, and once they had moved up to WPZ Nathan was able to give me details on how much more relaxed and tractable they were in the open grassy exhibits. It was a shame when He-man passed away a few years back, but Nathan said that - as far as he could tell - the old grumblebum was happy at WPZ.
The move to Africa must have been a dream come true. Many zookeepers would love to do what he was doing, but very, very few ever get that opportunity.
A death in the family is always tragic, but even more so when it's a young, experienced and motivated person with loads of potential. And especially someone as friendly and well-liked as Nathan.
So long, mate.
Hickson
Attachments
Last edited:
Most people have sports people or celebrities as their idol. For me I have David Attenborough, Steve Robinson and Nathan. Attenborough because I like his style, Steve because he has managed to do what he has done often with slot against him and Nathan, because I'm an elephant person. He started at taronga when he was my age. Nathan, Roger and mel introduced me to yum yum and cuddles for the first time and I instantly clicked with Nathan because elephants are something he was very passionate about. He told me how he would love to train arna and Gigi and in my eyes was a very intelligent and talented elephant keeper. His stories had me fascinated. I wasn't happy to see him go to Africa just because I knew I'd miss out on some awesome knowledge but he was thrilled to go. I think the teams at dubbo and taronga have done a great job putting on their public face while dealing with this very difficult situation. A devastating loss. the hearts of the entire organization are with nathans' family and friends.
RIP Nathan, even though it's not the easiest I'll be thinking of your passion and dedication to help me keep my public face smiling tonight.
RIP Nathan, even though it's not the easiest I'll be thinking of your passion and dedication to help me keep my public face smiling tonight.
Thanks Jarkari.