SHANGHAI: A Chinese graduate from the University of Cambridge became a zookeeper in Shanghai for better health, but her career choice has left many people awestruck.
Ma Ya, 25, from eastern China’s Jiangsu province, made a bold decision to give up her higher-paid job at a biopharmaceutical company and now works as a zookeeper at the renowned Shanghai Zoo.
The average monthly salary for a new researcher at biopharmaceutical companies is around 10,000 yuan (US$1,400), while that of a zookeeper is about half of that.
Many found Ma’s decision surprising and unconventional, particularly given her impressive educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Imperial College London and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the prestigious University of Cambridge.
However, Ma expressed that her role at the zoo has made her “healthier”, as she enjoys the active lifestyle and no longer feels confined to an office environment.
She emphasised that this position allows her to observe the lives of animals up close, providing crucial hands-on experience that significantly benefits her research in animal nutrition and the treatment of various animal diseases.
Ma officially became a full-time employee at the zoo in February last year.
She follows a schedule from eight to five and has had the privilege of caring for a diverse array of animals, including elephants, hippos, monkeys, tigers, and red pandas, and is currently responsible for the care of deer and goats.
She noted that animals continuously surprise her with their behaviours.
For instance, during an experiment conducted by a research team with the red panda she was feeding, they opened a hole on a feeding box to observe which paw it would use to grab the food inside.
To Ma’s astonishment, the red panda did not use either paw; it instead stuck its head into the box and grabbed the food with its mouth.
“Animals have many magical behaviours, which unfold in front of me through day-to-day interactions,” Ma shared with the Chinese media outlet Hongxing News.
Ma’s position in the zoo – a public institution – is considered one of the most desirable jobs in the country due to its stability.
However, she mentioned that job security was not her primary concern.
"Apart from feeding the animals, I have the opportunity to engage in comprehensive research on animal nutrition and the treatment of illnesses.
"I also aspire to refine my practical veterinary skills, enhancing the theoretical knowledge I gained during my studies," she said.
Ma shared that the animals in the zoo have also taught her invaluable lessons about forging bonds with them while respecting their wild nature and instincts.
Ma revealed that her parents have been supportive of her unconventional career choice.
“People are the happiest when they can pursue jobs they love,” one supportive person commented.
“There is an increasing disenchantment with traditional educational backgrounds in today’s society, which is a positive development as it allows individuals greater freedom in their career choices,” another noted.
“A zookeeper who can connect closely with animals seems to me the happiest job in the world,” a third commenter expressed. - South China Morning Post
