Author, Speaker, Lecturer, Consultant
Hi, I’m Erna Walraven.
I’m someone who gets bored easily and wears many hats: including author, wildlife and zoo consultant, workshop facilitator, lecturer, and speaker.
The thread that runs through these activities is my fascination with wild creatures and an interest in connecting people with stories of the natural world.
I’ve spent more than three decades working in zoos, observing animal behaviour in human care and in the wild. Watching wild animals for many years has led to a deep interest in our shared evolutionary history and the lessons humans can learn from that shared past.
Zoo & Wildlife Consultant
My consultancy offers independent planning and advisory specialising in zoos and wildlife.
Over the years, I have have developed a widely recognised expertise in the planning and managing of zoo-based animal populations. As an experienced zoo professional, I can integrate a broad understanding of animal management, ecosystem dynamics and sustainable approaches with compliance, policy planning, interpretation and staff training.
What I Can offer:
Overall animal management
Genetic and demographic management, breeding programs, record keeping, husbandry and enrichment.
Animal welfare
Development and implementation of policies, strategies and staff training.
Facilitation
Facilitate discussions with internal staff and/or external collaborators to achieved a shared vision
Visitor experience and interpretation
Planning for exciting, sustainable experiences that deliver a solid conservation message.
Outreach programs
Develop outreach programs suitable to your organisation and vision.
Conservation projects
Assistance in establishing links with local or international organisations.
Conservation message
Assistance in developing a conservation message that fits with the organisational vision.
Oiled wildlife
Training of staff and management of wildlife during oil spills.