INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Forget the roaring, ferocious image of lions that Hollywood has painted. Rajarajeishwary Mariappan, a 27-year-old zookeeper at Singapore’s Night Safari, is here to tell you that these magnificent creatures are actually quite cuddly… well, as cuddly as a 300-pound predator can be.
Mariappan, who has been caring for the Night Safari’s six Asiatic lionesses for the past few years, says the animals are more like oversized house cats. “They don’t see us as food,” she explains, “They greet us with a gentle rub against the meshing, just like a cat would rub against your leg.”
One of her favorite lionesses, Shweta, is particularly affectionate. “She loves attention,” Mariappan says. “She’s always the first to approach us, and she’ll rub against the mesh just to get our attention.”
Mariappan’s work goes beyond just caring for the lions. She’s part of a team of 11 carnivore keepers who also look after the Night Safari’s white tigers, African white lions, sloth bears, striped hyenas, owls, and even an aardvark. Their days are filled with a mix of routine tasks, like checking for wounds and administering food, and enrichment activities, like hiding food in cardboard boxes or puzzle feeders.
Mariappan’s passion for animals began at a young age, when her parents would take her to the zoo almost every year. She never imagined she’d become a zookeeper, but after a part-time job at the Night Safari, she was hooked. “I was so surprised when they put me with the polar bear Inuka,” she says. “He was the one who really sparked my interest in animals and made me want to pursue this line.”
Mariappan’s story is a testament to the fact that women can excel in any field, even one that is often seen as physically demanding and unglamorous. “I feel comfortable working with animals,” she says. “With animals, you can really be yourself – there is no judgment. Caring for them and helping them thrive in their environment is something that I get joy out of.”
The next time you visit the Night Safari, remember that behind the scenes, there are dedicated individuals like Mariappan who are working hard to ensure that these majestic creatures are well cared for and happy. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get a gentle rub from a lioness yourself! (Red)
