Orana - Gail Sutton, operations manager
Gail Sutton is the operations manager at Orana Wildlife
Park.
Get to know more of the keepers featured in Wild
Vets by clicking here.
What animals do you work with?
Responsible for all animals on site.
How long have you worked as a keeper?
19 years.
Why did you become a keeper?
I enjoy working with animals and care about their
welfare.
Where in the world have you worked as a keeper and what
animals did you work with?
Nowhere else.
What is your favourite animal?
I like most animals.
What animal would you most like to see in the wild?
Tuatara.
Which animal do you relate to the most?
Ricky a special needs capuchin as I hand-raised
him.
What do you love most about your job?
Being able to improve quality of life and conditions for
our captive animals.
Seeing visitors having an enjoyable visit and taking away
information about conservation, an awareness of the plight of
endangered species and how they can help preserve habitats.
If you could make one change to help save endangered
animals what would it be?
Educate and help people to find ways to farm alternative
crops (eg palm oil) without destroying habitats.
Advice for future keepers?
Be realistic in your goals, have a commitment to
conservation and animal welfare. Be prepared to get dirty, zoo
keeping is not for 'bunny huggers'.
