Evelyn, what’s it like being a Falconer?

My job is fun because I get to work outdoors, which I enjoy very much, and it also helps me to keep fit. My job is challenging because I get to work with birds that are unpredictable.

It is also enriching as I learn new things everyday and work as part of a great team. Being a Falconer is also satisfying because of the smiles and applause I receive from the audience during the shows.

What are your job responsibilities?

My key job responsibilities include - show presentation, where I get to handle Birds of Prey in front of a large audience daily. I also need to understand backstage management as well as assist with shows, which may come in unexpectedly. I also need to ensure
that the birds’ welfare is at its best; and their aviaries are well kept. It’s important to ensure that our birds are always healthy and happy
at all times

What are some of your highlights working at Jurong BirdPark?

I will never forget the first time I had to present a show in front of a big audience, not forgetting having to handle the big birds. Just looking at the visitors’ faces filled with awe and laughter is rewarding. I felt so fulfilled knowing that it is a privilege to work, understand and learn more about these mysterious birds of prey.

What challenges do you face in your job?

Keeping calm when the birds are not responding during show time is one tough challenge. These birds have their moods - I have to think and act fast enough to strike a chord with the performing bird for the show to go on and end well.

Another challenge is to ensure that all shows always remain exciting and interesting for visitors from all over the globe.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal is to be able to visit other Birds Of Prey centres around the world. Through this experience I hope to gain more knowledge about Birds Of Prey from other Falconers around the world. I will also be more than happy to share my knowledge with them.

What do you like best about your job?

The horticulture tasks here in the BirdPark do not limit me to merely the building and maintenance of our landscapes and gardens.

It also gives me plenty of room to create and upkeep exhibits and habitats, which are ideal for birds. In this way birds breed and co-exist with man and nature, as they would in their natural habitat.

What are some of your highlights working at Jurong BirdPark?

My work allows me to observe how birds build their nests using plant materials. I’ve also learned much about how vital the fruits from trees, nectars from flowers and other plants are to the birds’ survival.

Nature has a way of giving and taking in order to create a harmonious balance to all living creatures, big and small. The BirdPark is a showcase of such a process - where plant wastes are reused as bird perches, dried leaves swept from the ground are placed inside aviaries to simulate forest floorings and twigs and leaves are given to birds to build their nests.

I feel a sense of satisfaction that I am not merely gardening but also contributing to conservation and giving all our birds a more natural environment that they can always call their home.

What challenges do you face in your job?

A horticulturist’s job is usually done outdoors, and it can be physically draining, especially when the weather frequently changes from sunny to rainy days. It challenges me to be physically fit at all times and I must also keep my pace in the usually male-dominated workspace. I have to manage a pool of male contractors, and have to exercise firmness and fairness when managing them in order for me to achieve the goals set by the company as well as myself.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to expand my knowledge in many more aspects of Horticulture. In doing so, I hope I can contribute more towards the conservation, preservation and improvement of the Jurong BirdPark’s natural environment as well as the world.