Joanne Osuagwah

SHAPE—Africa Chairperson

Hi, my name is Joanne and until recently I was a private veterinary surgeon working within Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. My work was very mixed bringing me into contact with both captive and free-ranging wildlife. I have recently moved to Morocco in order to assist in the development of a private game farm in that country. As well as my daily work I am extremely interested in research, having recently completed my MSc. The study examined the effect of feed-based environmental enrichment on the behaviour of a broad range of captive wild mammals at the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria.

 

Africa is a continent of diversity and opportunity and I am very keen to spread the word about environmental enrichment and the role it can play in the conservation, education, and welfare of all captive animals within this continent and worldwide. Enrichment is something that can be performed by any and all of those who care for animals and through organisations like SHAPE—Africa this message can be conveyed to an evergrowing audience.

 

 

Chairperson responsibilities:

 

To oversee, manage and promote all aspects of the SHAPE—Africa organization.  In so doing facilitate the objective, vision and mission, as laid out below, for this regional organization and where appropriate other regional groups and The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

 

1. Chairing all committee and annual general meetings or appointing a stand-in when such meeting must be held in the chairperson’s absence.

2. Liaise with outside organizations and individuals, where appropriate, in the official capacity as a Shape—Africa representative.

3. Produce management plans and future focus articles for use by the regional and larger organization on a quarterly basis.

4. Facilitate co-operation between all other portfolio office bearers.

5. Edit and approve all articles or other material (e.g. newspaper reports, video releases, photographs etc) produced in the name of SHAPE—Africa before final publication.

6. Act as a liaison officer between SHAPE—Africa and The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. committee.

7. Mediate in any dispute involving SHAPE—Africa office bearers and where necessary seek assistance from head office (The Shape of Enrichment, Inc.).

8. Liaise and refer all disciplinary matters involving Shape—Africa committee members to head office.

9. Personally and professionally promote animal enrichment in a positive light and refrain from any act that may bring you as an individual and subsequently the organization into disrepute. 

 

Return to Who We Are

Return to SHAPE—Africa Committee
Return to SHAPE—Africa Homepage