Inspiring work helps save giant pandas (hktdc.com)


	Ocean Park’s Suzanne Gendron couldn’t ask for a better work environment

As Executive Director, Zoological Operations and Education and Director of Conservation Foundation at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park – recently voted by Forbes.com as one of the world’s most popular amusement parks - Suzanne Gendron says she is in a dream job with a dream team. A marine biologist and an ichthyologist by training, she has now found herself in charge of four bamboo guzzling and cute goodwill ambassadors whose very presence guarantee pandemonium where ever they go. Life, it seems, has been one big merry ride and Suzanne is on a roll.

'I was working in Sea World San Diego, California, when I was approached to help build an aquarium at Sea World Jakarta, Indonesia. That was in 1994. It was supposed to be a five week consultancy project but I ended staying for five years.

I joined Ocean Park in 1998 and hit the ground running with the giant pandas An An and Jia Jia. Within two weeks of my appointment, I was in Wolong Panda Reservation in Sichuan, China, where they come from. I am a marine biologist by training so my expertise was in marine ecology and fish, with some experience with marine mammals. I had a lot to learn about pandas. It was a steep learning curve but at the end of the day, each species is really not that different from one another. They all need good care, housing, nutrition and enrichment. So when the panda cubs, Le Le and Ying Ying were presented to us as Reunification* gifts, we were ready, experienced and knew what to do. Recently, we celebrated their second birthday with a giant ice popsicle filled with fruits and bamboo.

Conservation effort

I have been working with pandas for about eight years now and I am so inspired to see the world come together because of them. China has done so much for panda conservation and that is very encouraging. In 1998, there were only 20 pandas outside China of the 110 pandas under human care. Now, there are about 35 outside China of over 200 pandas under human care. The Hong Kong Society for Panda Conservation has merged with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation and together, we are doing our bit to ensure the sustainability of Asian wildlife and biodiversity through research and education. We have a number of exciting conservation action projects connected to dolphins, pandas, horseshoe crabs, elephants and tigers.

An An and Jia Jia – 20 and 29 years old respectively - have taught me the importance of caring for geriatric animals. There is something about them which is very engaging and inspiring even though they have slowed down with age, sleep more and are less playful. If anything, we give them more personal care. Four keepers look after the pair of them. People think that pandas are clumsy and not very bright but really, they are quite smart and quick and can be trained to pick up certain behaviours and play with toys.

I am extremely glad to be in Ocean Park. Friends tell me I have the best job in the world and I have. I couldn’t ask for a better staff, my colleagues are dedicated and great to work with. As a local corporation, the majority of the staff are from Hong Kong but we have veterinarians from Italy, Belgium, Australia and our general curator is from New Zealand. I have an inspiring CEO in Tom Merhmann who has 30 years experience working in theme parks in the US, and our Chairman Allan Zeman is an enthusiastic whirlwind of energy and creativity.

New strategies

When I joined Ocean Park in 1998, it was in the middle of the Asia financial crisis and visitor numbers were around 2.8 million. Then came Sars in 2003 and that was a very challenging time but we changed our marketing strategies, built new teams, built new themed attractions and started education programmes. For the fiscal year of 2005/06, Ocean Park achieved 4.38 million visitors, setting a new record for the park’s 29 years of operation. Where else in Hong Kong can you find such an incredible combination of animals, mammals, rides and a safe atmosphere where the whole family can have fun?

The next phase is going to be really exciting with the Master Redevelopment Project. Personally, I’m involved, with my team, setting up a panda paradise and habitats for salamanders, South East Asian otters, a goldfish treasure box, a bird theatre and a walk through aviary for South East Asian birds. There is also the polar bear habitat and a new aquarium complete with atoll and fringing reefs. This will further enhance our goal of connecting entertainment and people with conservation and education.

This is not bad for a girl born in Iowa. Growing up in Wisconsin and Michigan, US, I had no vision of living abroad but now, I won’t have it any other way. I love living in Hong Kong. I’m an aquatic person so living on an island surrounded by water is brilliant. I like to swim, scuba dive and sail. There are so many clubs here and socialising with different people gives you a different perspective on life. I’m always learning from different cultures and learning more about the Asian thought processes. Plus, Hong Kong is such an easy and convenient place and transportation is easily accessible.’

* Reunification refers to Hong Kong's return from British to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997