“Rangers have been working in Planckendael for some time now. They work in the walk-through areas of the lemurs and the golden-headed lion tamarins. In Antwerp we want to use them from now on in the Great Ape Valley and in the Buffalo Savannah,” says spokesperson Amanda Wielemans.
“Are kindness, enthusiasm, smooth talking and lending a hand in your nature? Then we have a great volunteer position for you. We are looking for dynamic volunteers to strengthen our ranger team,” says the vacancy.
And the spokesperson can confirm that enthusiasm. “Our rangers observe, provide explanations, answer questions and monitor the welfare of the animals in a friendly manner,” explains Amanda Wielemans. “They point out to visitors that the animals may not be touched or fed and, for example, they also ensure that people do not enter the lemurs’ enclosure with food in their hands. Buggies are also prohibited there because they often contain leftovers of cookies or fruit.”
READ ALSO. Rangers at work in Planckendael
The rangers often help visitors in the park find out who is where and they regularly provide an explanation of the animals and what is on the menu, for example. The volunteers will receive all information about this in advance from the Zoo team.
Four hours a day
The rangers work a maximum of four hours a day and are mainly deployed during weekends, public holidays and school holidays. They can indicate which days they are available or not. Kris Lamon from Mechelen is one of the rangers in Planckendael. She does this twice a week, once with the lemurs, once with the golden-headed lion tamarins.
“After my retirement, I moved from a simply boring desk to the most beautiful desk you can imagine,” she laughs. “Among the trees, among the animals, with the people. We have contact with the visitors, with children, with the caregivers and also with the animals. You are here for four hours at a time and during quiet moments, when there are no visitors, there is sometimes interaction with the animals.”
A ring-tailed lemur on a walk. Looking is allowed, but not touching. — © Joren De Weerdt
Ranger and animal, posing together. — © Joren De Weerdt
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