Meet our Staff - Green Team
Angela Riddington - Penguin Keeper and Green Team Coordinator
My role:
As the green team coordinator I try to make Kelly Tarlton’s and its daily business operations as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. I have instigated a number of practices, as well as organise regular waterfront clean ups around our local Okahu Bay for staff, family and friends. As a result of the 'Green Team's' efforts, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World have achieved Qualmark’s highest enviro green status - Enviro Gold and 'KiwiGreen' accreditation.
In my full time role, I am one of three Penguin Keepers. On any given day you will find me diving in the balmy 7 degree penguin pool, scrubbing bird poo, shovelling ice, or feeding, singing and talking to the penguins.
Career path:
I completed a Bachelor of Science with a focus in animal behaviour at the University of Waikato. While studying, I did full time work experience at Hamilton Zoo for a year, after which I got given a permanent position and continued to work there for another 2.5 years. This experience allowed me to work with a variety of animals which included small geckos, birds, monkeys, rhinos, and even the odd llama.
At the beginning of 2008 I started at Kelly Tarlton’s in the Penguin Department as an Avicultural assistant (Birdo), and joined the green team around the same time. Being part of this team has made me aware of the environmental issues at KT's and how our small actions can have huge effects. This ultimately led to my Green Team Coordinator role.
Most enjoyable part of my role:
The penguins are definitely the best part of my role. Whether they are singing a song, or playing a game, seeing them always tends to brighten up my day.
Most memorable moment:
As a penguin keeper, I have had countless memorable moments, but if I had to choose one it would be helping one of the Gentoo chicks out of an egg that had been crushed. I assisted the chick out of the egg and was able to give him back to his parents with a clean bill of health. It has since been very rewarding seeing him turn into an amazing adult that is full of life.
As the Green Team Coordinator, I feel a great sense of achievement when we get a good turn out at our beach/waterfront clean ups, or when a fellow staff member proudly tells me their story of their various environmental efforts.
