The goal of the Captive Animal Enrichment Project (CAEP) is to transform South African animal care. It was established by a dedicated specialist with a wealth of international experience and education. CAEP aims to attend to the more complex needs of animals in captivity, those beyond shelter and food. By taking a holistic approach to their overall well-being, we do our best to give these animals the chance to cope better in their surroundings.
One of the core pillars of the CAEP is the priceless knowledge and experience gathered from years of working with animals all over the world. In 2003, our founder, Vonne, set out on a trip to explore the Bolivian Amazon and its animal inhabitants. The result of this is a years-long exploration that led to a profound comprehension of animal behaviour, developed via personal experience and formalised through many years of study.
Deep in South America: Insights from Bolivia’s rainforest
Exploring the abundant biodiversity of the Bolivian Amazon was a crucial part of this adventure. Here, among the verdant foliage and abundant fauna, Vonne immersed herself in this unique and spectacular natural environment, working for a non-governmental organisation with an enormous variety of endemic species, all victims of the illegal wildlife trafficking trade. The deep insights gained from these real-life experiences of the complex interactions between plants, animals, and the environment were invaluable.
The observation of zoopharmacognosy was one of her most important lessons in South America. This intriguing area of study looks at how animals self-medicate by ingesting specific minerals and plants to help them feel better, both physically and mentally.
Seeing animals instinctively choose particular plants (because they know of the therapeutic qualities) inspired Vonne to seek out formal training on the subject. She settled in the UK for a few years, where she acquired diplomas in animal healing and communication, enrichment and certifications in zoopharmacognosy. In possession of this unique set of tools, she founded CAEP with a desire to apply her learning to enhance the care of animals kept in captivity in South Africa, knowing how much support is needed for animals living in these environments.
Beyond borders: The significance of global experience
Why is foreign experience so important for South African animal care? The animal kingdom is made up of many species and distinctive ecosystems, like a tapestry. Gaining an understanding of the wide range of animal behaviours, adaptations, and natural remedies used by species worldwide can yield a wealth of information that can be modified and implemented to enhance the lives of captive animals in South Africa.
There are some major advantages of bringing foreign expertise to South African animal care. Getting to know a variety of animal species helps one to comprehend patterns in animal behaviour, ways that animals communicate, and possible signs of stress.
South African caregivers can investigate the potential of native flora by researching how animals in other areas consume plants for medicinal purposes. This could result in focused zoopharmacognosy programmes employing easily accessible indigenous flora, appropriate for animals endemic to South Africa.
The international community of animal carers, particularly in the context of welfare, depend on cooperation and information sharing to survive and grow. Gaining international experience facilitates the exchange of best practices and the development of alliances with other institutions engaged in related projects. This cooperative strategy can improve animal care around the world.
The rainforest of Bolivia: An innovative catalyst
The way that CAEP approaches our work in South Africa is informed by our knowledge of zoopharmacognosy. Here’s how we do it:
- Knowing plant-animal interactions – Learning about animal preferences and the possible benefits of different plant compounds all began with observing how animals in the jungle chose particular plants. Today, flanked by formal studies on the subject, this knowledge is put to use when choosing the natural materials that animals in CAEP’s beneficiary programmes are given.
- Creating a local ethnobotanical database – We can investigate the potential of indigenous South African plants with recognised medicinal qualities, encouraging the creation of an extensive ethnobotanical database tailored to the environment of South Africa, for the benefit of animals in captivity.
- Creating customised programmes – Our zoopharmacognosy practices take a sophisticated approach because of the lessons learned from other countries. We may design focused programmes that take into account the unique requirements of the local wildlife, their preferences in their natural habitats, and the readily available plant life in those environments.
Empowering local caregivers
In our opinion, information truly is power – particularly when it comes to the welfare of animals. We are dedicated to sharing with interested South African animal caregivers the knowledge and understanding we have received from our global expertise.
As a result, animal carers can offer more comprehensive and enriching care to the animals under their charge by incorporating a deeper comprehension of zoopharmacognosy principles and animal behaviour, healing and communication. Through exposure to worldwide best practices, carers develop a shared responsibility for the welfare of all animals, and a more inclusive view into the needs of individual animals.
We believe that we can transform animal care by embracing global experience, encouraging teamwork, and utilising enrichment and zoopharmacognosy practices in South Africa. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved. We appreciate any efforts made to help the CAEP realise its goals of making a distinctive difference in the lives of captive animals in South Africa.
