Article: Monday with Zoo director Dr Mohamad Ngah

August 25, 2008 Categories: Monday With

For those who dream of having a career centred around working with animals, Dr Mohamad Ngah would certainly draw sighs of envy with his post as director of Zoo Negara.

“When one of the council members of the Malaysian Zoological Society approached me about working in the zoo as the director, I was tickled and shocked. I didn’t know how to respond; I told him I would think about it. I visited the zoo four times; I paid RM10 per trip and just browsed around all corners of the zoo and the staff didn’t realise that I would be their boss.

“I thought I would give it a try for two years. It’s now coming to be my fourth year with the zoo and I am enjoying the work,” recalled Mohamad.

This gregarious and amiable father of three began his career as a scientist with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), specialising in animal biotechnology for seven years before moving on to other fields such as marketing and lecturing. In his capacity as director, Mohamad oversees plans, monitors and manages the day-today running of the organisation, in particular, ensuring that the zoo’s objectives in conservation, research, education, recreation and training are being carried out accordingly.

When asked about memorable moments during his tenure, Mohamad highlighted the successful release and re-introduction of Milky Storks into Kuala Selangor’s Nature Park as one. The project at Zoo Negara, which began 15 years ago in association with the Wildlife Department (Perhilitan) and Malaysian Nature Society, saw 10 birds being released in the nature park.

“The climax of any captive breeding or conservation work is the release of the wildlife produced in the zoo back to their natural habitat. Early last year, a second area was identified for the release and re-introduction of the captive bred Milky Storks by Zoo Negara. Eight birds were released in Kuala Gula, Perak, on March 4 last year in collaboration with Perhilitan. Because of these successes, more Milky Storks release programmes are planned for this year,” he said.

These days, life for Mohamad is centred around both the zoo and spending time with his third son, who is studying in Kuantan at the moment. He has this to say to young people who are interested in working with animals: “Get to know the animals that you like; know as much as possible through websites. Volunteer your services when you have free time in zoos and work with animals that you adore.”

This article was taken from: the malay mail: monday with 25 august 2008