Crocworld welcomes new Animal Curator to this dynamic conservation team

By encouraging a personal connection with the natural world through his passion and enthusiasm, Busani Mthiyane (28) inspires those around him to become conservation advocates themselves. Crocworld Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast will now benefit from this dynamic individual with his new appointment as the centre’s Animal Curator.

“Crocworld was looking for someone to manage employees and that is the kind of responsibility for which I am ready. Beyond which, I absolutely love wildlife and working with animals!” said Busani, who originally hails from Nkandla in northern KZN.

Having completed his Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation in 2020 at Mangosuthu University of Technology, Busani did a short course in Environmental Law and Environmental Management Legal Enforcement through Unisa. He’s also currently studying towards a BSc Honors in Environmental Management through the same institution.

Busani has also worked while studying, enjoying his position at the National Zoological Garden in Tshwane for the past five years. His multi-faceted role saw him attending to animal care and feeding, animal capture and breeding, environmental enrichment, conservation administration, and stakeholder relations among many other duties.  

“While I will miss the supportive Reptile Park team and all the animals under my care - especially the two Komodo dragons, Indie and Herman - I’m looking forward to more of a leadership role at Crocworld and getting to know the team and animals this side,” commented Busani. “I’m also excited to inspire others to be proactive in wildlife conservation by exposing them to the beauty, diversity, and wonders of the natural world. I want to help visitors understand the interdependence and balance of nature and how human actions affect this through our awareness programmes.”

Visitors to this Scottburgh-based conservation centre will get to see Busani in action during his daily animal talks and demonstrations, crocodile feeds, and snake interactions. Behind the scenes, he will be attending to animal husbandry, enclosure management, safety compliance, staff management, and more.

Commenting on this latest appointment, Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager, James Wittstock, said they were excited to be working with Busani:

“In addition to his daily duties, Busani will be involved in several Crocworld’s ongoing projects and upgrades, including the successful breeding programme of vultures and American alligators. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a fresh approach that will benefit the centre going forward.”

When not working at Crocworld or relaxing at his home in Amandawe Mission, Busani enjoys reading journals or keeping active at the gym or playing a friendly game of soccer with his friends.