“We have species that are part of endangered conservation breeding programmes, like the cotton-top tamarins,” he adds. He stresses they do not come from the wild, “to preserve natural populations”. Mr Rohrkaste and colleagues research which animals they can provide “the best home and welfare for”. Maintaining “one big enclosure where a lot of species are living together in mixed cohabitation” can bring a unique set of challenges. “I work with IT to get our website up to date for different programmes, for example, the sloth interaction or zookeeper for the day,” he says. Mr Rohrkaste’s role also involves coordinating with the operations, sales and marketing teams for exhibit launches to ensure arriving animal information is correct. “When you see an animal in person, you make that connection, see the colours, how it acts and sounds.” 11am: Planning for new arrivals “Sometimes it’s cool for guests to see us opening a terrarium, feeding a snake … we want to incite curiosity and educate,” says Mr Rohrkaste. Tours are self-guided, although staff are available to answer questions, point things out and confirm rules including not touching the animals or eating and drinking inside the dome. “We have lots of educational experiences, different guest programmes to partake in … all offering a conservational message.” 10am: Green Planet is go “It is important you have engagement with kids, with all guests, that’s why we try to be proactive, go out and initiate that conversation. “Education is one of our pillars,” says Mr Rohrkaste in the animal care kitchen. The first of two daily children’s groups arrive, as many as 300 per session. “A few times a week, I’ll have a briefing with our biologist team, go through updates, upcoming events to prepare for etc.” 9am: Inspiring young mindsĭubai pupils on a field trip at The Green Planet Dubai. “It’s not training as in getting them to do tricks, it also can relate to guest experiences,” he says.
This includes, for example, getting lemurs on to weighing scales or inside a transport crate, as well as keeping them “mentally stimulated” through playing with a ball. “Their husbandry, which includes diet, reproductive requirements and training, usually for veterinary behaviours,” he says. Mr Rohrkaste explains that a curator manages the animal collection, including conservation and breeding programmes. The Green Planet is home to more than 3,000 animals and plants. “I go to the gym, it energises me, and get back to my apartment at 7.15am, have breakfast, feed the cat, then head to work about 15 minutes away.” 8.30am: Plotting out the day “I’m very much a morning person,” says Mr Rohrkaste, who joined The Green Planet five years ago following stints at Florida’s Busch Gardens and an aquarium.
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