(Intro)
(Warning: Loud screams)
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that.
Hi everyone! I'm Xenia.
Welcome back to another episode of Hired or Fired.
In this episode, I'll be an Avian Keeper at Jurong Bird Park for a day.
Honestly, I have never heard of the word 'Avian' before,
Let alone 'Avian Keeper' and it's been so long since I've been here.
So, I am guessing and hoping that one of my job scopes today would be to
Train the lovely birds here to do some tricks.
I want to hold the hula hoop and (let) them fly through (it).
Hopefully, I don't get shat on.
Because I'm a very lucky person.
Guess what! It's Jurong Bird Park's 50th anniversary.
(Do) you know what's the best way to celebrate it?
By hiring someone like...
(Points at herself)
My name is Anais and I'm the curator of birds at Jurong Bird Park.
I've been working here for 3 years.
My job is to oversee the bird collection at the bird's park.
It mainly involves supervising the day-to-day activities related to the birds,
And also to look at the long term plan for the bird park.
For example, when we need to acquire new species to bring them in,
(We) look at how we can improve the welfare of the birds on a day-to-day basis.
So the jobs of Avian Keepers have actually evolved.
Nowadays, the keepers are actually more aviculturists.
Which means that they need to know their birds, species and ecology,
So that they can take good care of their birds.
I have many memorable moments working at Jurong Bird Park.
It's a job that has no routines.
But I would probably say that the most memorable moment is,
When we are actually putting (in) a lot of efforts in breeding species.
The chick hatching and looking at him developing well.
For me, it's always a memorable moment.
This job is very good because sometimes it is very tough.
Because we (are) working with living beings and,
Their lives depend on our care.
As a curator, sometimes I have to make decisions on the spot.
Their lives will then depend on my decisions.
Hi! I'm Xenia.
What will I be doing today?
Today, you'll have to do three tasks with the keepers.
The first one would be the headcount of birds and food preparation.
Oh, okay.
Okay.
The second one will be conditioning the birds to a specific behaviour.
And the last one will be (the) making (of) enrichment and nests. (Xenia) Okay.
And the last one will be (the) making (of) enrichment and nests.
I only understand the first one but it's okay.
I guess there will be people guiding me through right?
You'll have mentors that will train you today.
(Anais) It's going to be fine. (Xenia) Okay.
First of all, you need to get ready.
You need to get your uniforms.
(Xenia) Wah! (Anais) You can then go get changed.
(There are) so many things. Let's get changed!
(Struggling)
Hi Xenia!
Hi!
Welcome to Wings of Asia. I'm Zaid.
I'm the keeper in charged of Wings of Asia, along side my other two colleagues here.
Today we're in Wings of Asia where we house one of the largest diversity of species in the park.
We have about 500 birds across 140 species.
Later, I'll show you the two tasks that we are going to do today.
Which includes feeding and doing (of) headcount of all these birds.
(It) sounds easy!
You'll find out soon enough.
(Evil laughs) That suspense...Let's go Zaid!
(Laughs) Okay, let's go!
We have arrived at the grey backed starling exhibit.
(For) the first task today, I'm going to demonstrate how we go about doing headcount in the morning.
Okay.
First thing to look at for is the number of birds,
To make sure all (of them) is in this exhibit.
(Yes), right.
Secondly, you need to keep a look out for certain health issues of any aggression related issues.
Last but not least, sometimes the birds also fall sick due to the weather. Secondly, you need to keep a look out for certain health issues of any aggression related issues.
Last but not least, sometimes the birds also fall sick due to the weather.
Such as prolonged heat (and) rain.
(Xenia) Oh I feel you, me too. (Zaid) Or sudden change in the weather or environment.
(Xenia) Ya. (Zaid) This also affects the birds so,
(Zaid) Without further ado, we can start your head counting process.
Okay, (x2) (Zaid) Without further ado, we can start your head counting process.
There's 5 right in front of me.
Oh my god.
All of them flies.
(Counting)
Aiyo.
1, 2,
3...
4...
5...
6...
7...
12?
Yes, (that's) correct.
I anyhow guessed (it).
Oh no, then you lied.
But yes, there's 12 of them.
(Zaid) Yes. (Xenia) All I can count was 8.
For newcomers or newbies that come on the first day,
They will be having trouble getting past 6,
(Xenia) Oh, is it? (Zaid) Because the birds will fly from (one) corner to (another).
But I would like to say (you did) not bad.
Now that we have exposed you to the head counting process,
We will head back of house, where I'll show you how to do food preparation.
Then, we will feed one of the brids. Let's go!
The second task that we will be doing today is food preparation.
This is typically what we present for our birds.
This is what we call the food salad.
This is prepared by the wildlife nutritionist center's staff or 'WNC' for short.
We have an in-house staff that provides us with the statistics of the numbers,
That we should feed the birds according to the data, which I will show you later.
(Zaid) This is what we call the 'atas' salad.
(Xenia) 'The atas salad'. (Zaid) This is what we call the 'atas' salad.
(Xenia) 'The atas salad'.
(Zaid) 'The atas salad', yes that's correct. (Xenia) 'The atas salad'.
This is for our parrots.
We will start deskinning the papayas first.
(This is) kind of like a cooking show right now.
(Laughs)
Usually, I'll take about 5 minutes.
I think I also can, (it's) only fruits.
Okay.
Let's have a try.
Okay, two plates.
Thank you.
Okay, I'm ready.
How long (has it been) already?
20 seconds.
I take 20 seconds to peel two bananas.
Why (does) papaya have so many seeds?
(I cannot) do this in 5 minutes, wait.
Okay, done!
You guys just didn't see what is happening around here.
(Zaid) There's a mess in my kitchen now.
(Xenia) Ya, sorry. (Zaid) There's a mess in my kitchen now.
Now that we are done,
(Zaid) We will proceed to wash our hands and prepare the 'atas' food salad.
(Xenia) Okay! Yes. (Zaid) We will proceed to wash our hands and prepare the 'atas' food salad.
Then, we can proceed to feeding the birds. (Xenia) Okay! Yes.
For central feeding,
We present them with a set of 4 plates.
The first plate will be the food salad itself,
(For) the second plate, do you want to touch the meal worms?
It's okay, you (can) do.
This is the third plates where I mix millet and pigeon mix.
Last but not least,
Mackerel palettes.
This is silken tofu you can get from NTUC.
They will also get a nice serving tofu.
This (does) not belongs to you.
Okay.
You can start feeding the birds.
Lets go!
(Xenia) Can? (Zaid) Ya, that's pretty much about it.
At least they fly with a distance, I don't think I'm so scared.
Alright, have fun eating guys!
I would say your time here in Wings of Asia is a fruitful one.
It may be your first day here today (but) I would say it's not a bad start.
There are things to be improved on.
(You) might as well join us, our full time slot is available.
So fast?! (This is only) the first job scope.
Don't worry, this is just a small task (out of the) many tasks that we are doing.
You can look forward to your second and third tasks.
Okay
Okay, let's go!
Hi I'm Nara, the Lory Loft keeper.
Today, we are going to do token feeding.
Token feeding includes having the bird come down.
(Nara) We have a few tools that we are going to use.
(Xenia) (Scream) (Nara) We have a few tools that we are going to use.
Alright, I'm going to pass you some of your tools.
This is a target stick that we are going to use.
Okay.
Why do we use this tool is to get the birds off people (and) you,
And reward them.
Each time they touch the tip of the target,
They get rewarded.
Okay.
(There is) another very important tool.
I got you a new whistle.
How (the) whistle work is that you just have to (blow) and they will start coming down.
(Xenia) Woah. (x3) Ya.
(Nara) So, you got the kind of work out. (Xenia) Woah. (x3) Ya.
(Nara) So, you got the kind of work out.
So now, do you want to practice with a bird?
Okay.
Ya.
You see the bird?
You just (stand) here, target and (blow).
'Eat'. When they touch the target, then you reward (them).
The idea of the target sticks is,
To actually bid them around.
Now, I'm going to pour the nectar so that you can recall the birds down for token.
We are going to (blow) and everybody is going to come down.
Everybody?! (Nervous)
Most of them is going to come down.
Okay.
(This is the) first tray and the recalling process is just (blowing the whistle).
You wait for them to slowly come in.
Once this is done,
What I like to do is (to) move them out of the way a bit.
You (can) just target.
If they are on you (and) it's getting annoying, you can just,
'Down, faster'.
'Thank you!'
Okay, (you can) try.
(Laughs) It's okay, why (didn't) you whistle?
(Blows whistle)
(You can) try again.
So, you (blow the whistle).
When you touch then you (imitates correct moves).
Okay, go!
There are some parts (that) I think you can tweak a bit.
What I noticed is that, you tend to be a bit slower with the rewarding.
And the cue doesn't come on time.
Okay.
So sometimes if you continue doing that, the bird might have a tendency to lose interest.
What we basically want is (for) them to come to the target.
Oh...
So, you don't bring the target to them (but) get them to come to you.
I think I've been helping the birds too much.
I basically bring it to the beak and be like 'Open your mouth'.
S, I guess somehow I have to transport them now.
Right now, we are going to see how effective you are in getting the birds to move over there.
'Here!'
(Motivating Xenia) Yay, go! (x3)
'Here!'
(Blows whistle)
(Counting the number of birds)
2 more!
'Here!'
(Counting the number of birds again)
Okay, can.
(You) take this whole thing, give me a good (whistle) and put it on the tray.
Okay.
From where we started, when you first came in,
I think you were a bit concern with the birds.
They are all flopping together.
Ya, it was very overwhelming.
I started circulating and I didn't really understand.
Initially you started (with) not understanding how that works,
But now you kind of get an idea whereby you are able to get the birds to work for you.
Basically, this is actually just 1/4 of what I do.
The whole idea of recalling them also helps me to account for them,
Feed them and also give me a head start for the day.
(Aaarti) Hi Xenia! (Laughs) (Xenia) Hello! (Laughs)
Hi! I'm Aaarti, I'm going to be your next mentor for today.
I'm going to teach you how to do some nest building and enrichment for the birds.
As you can see, this is the staff holding area and where we do all the stuffs.
Since you are wearing the uniform, you can follow me inside.
Yes!
(Aaarti) (Laughs) Let's go!
(Xenia) (Evil laughs) Y'all cannot, y'all (are) not wearing the uniform. (Aaarti) (Laughs) Let's go!
(Xenia) (Evil laughs) Y'all cannot, y'all (are) not wearing the uniform.
First, we are going to start with enrichment for the birds.
Basically, enrichment is like how you have toys and stuffs to keep you entertain.
(That's) right.
So, same thing for the birds, we need toys and stuff to keep them mentally stimulated.
I'm going to show you what I would do.
Okay.
For enrichment for them and you can come up with your own one.
For example, one of the ducks natural behaviour is to dive underwater and,
Ripe apart vegetables.
What I would do (for) basic enrichment is to go to the pond,
Put a bunch of uncut vegetables under the rock and submerge it.
(Aaarti) All they have to do is (to) dive underwater and pluck out the vegetables on their own.
(Xenia) (Okay), right. (Aaarti) All they have to do is (to) dive underwater and pluck out the vegetables on their own.
So, this is level one?
(This is) level one.
Okay.
So, I have shown you level one.
Ya.
It's up to you to do (from) level two onwards. Go ahead.
(I am) stress.
Okay, no. I'll try.
I'm a creative person.
Ya, I'm just smoking through a little bit.
(For) level one, we are just going to use a rock so it's very visible.
We will hide this inside a ball.
Okay so, (I'm) going to explain to you why I gave you this.
This was an option.
The idea behind this was to actually use the vegetables and stuff them in here.
Or you can flip it over, stuff them in here,
And (on) the top part, we can put some worms.
So, (this is) level one (and) two.
Let's do level three.
(I'll) stuff it in.
Yeah.
Ya, that's it.
That's it?
Ya.
(This is) easy, come let's go!
So, you see the ducks waiting for their food?
Ya.
Okay so if you want to, you can throw your ball (in) first.
Okay.
(Are) you ready?
Ball on vegetables.
Duckies, look at me.
Duckies!
Oh!
Come on!
For this one, you can throw some meal worms inside (and) test it out.
Can I go closer to (them)?
You can, but maybe don't go too close because they won't respond.
I'm giving y'all some options.
One is the ball of vegetables.
One is (to) hurry be eaten because (the) meal worms (are) dying.
Help yourself.
Xenia, I'm going to throw some meal worms to kind of get them there.
At me?!
(Aaarti) I mean...(inaduible) (Xenia) (Horrified screams)
Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that.
I think no one is eating the vegetables.
But it's okay!
We learn...
Okay so Xenia, now it's our second task.
We're going to make a nest for one of the birds.
Today, we're going to make one for the barbet.
We're going to give them termite mounds,
So we're going to try and replicate that using this.
You're going to need gloves because it's going to get messy.
We've got some clay soil in there,
Which we are going to wet, and then it will become mushy (and) mud-like.
We're going to line the inside of this nest log with that, as well as the entrance.
We're going to line the sides of it and try to make the holes as small as possible,
So that they can have some kind of hart in nesting.
So, they will have to dig through and go in.
Oh...
Ready.
Ready!
I got it, you can go and chill.
I got it.
Oh my god.
Okay.
Now we will open this and let it dry.
Okay?
How do you think I did today?
For the first one, maybe (you need) a little bit more of creativity.
With help, you didn't go great but you tired your best,
And that's all that matters.
For your second task which was the next building,
(It was) not bad!
You won't afraid to get muddy, well done.
Maybe try touching meal worms next time.
(Xenia) I did! Did you see?
(Aaarti) The bigger ones? (Xenia) I did! Did you see?
(Aaarti) The bigger ones?
So other than that, I think you did okay.
Don't worry about it.
Wah.
This episode is a tough one.
I felt pretty overwhelmed at times,
Because firstly, due to my own fears and secondly,
I felt like I was absorbing three very intense crash courses in such a short span of time.
Every single thing that you do, you have to remember your goals.
I still thought that I could be a part of the bird show today but I can't even do the basic conditioning right.
Because I didn't know why certain steps was put into place,
I messed up the whole procedure.
I think the lorries might be a bit confused today.
So, based on my expectation,
I'm quite disappointed in myself.
I feel like I didn't even pass,
And can you imagine? I barely scratched the surface of this occupation.
Hi Xenia.
You have done your three tasks today, how was it?
Wah. I must say the adrenaline rush you get is way higher than an amusement park when the birds starts flying.
But I must say I'm quite proud of myself, I warmed up a little bit,
I interacted with birds and hopefully make a connection. That's about it.
I think I'll have to ask you the most important question for every single episode.
Paper!
I was expecting a bird to pass it to use but it's okay.
(Anais) You didn't train them for that? (Xenia) No. (Laughs)
Will you hire or fire me?
I knew it! Please explain.
You may have noticed today, most of the job here requires some kind of knowledge for the birds.
Usually what we do, is to have some people to do volunteering.
We would be more than happy for you to do volunteering.
Maybe (you can) overcome even more of your fears of birds and getting some knowledge about this.
(Yes), right.
After that (you can) go into a part-time position but this is something we can reconsider because you definitely have the attitude.
Aw amazing, that's such a welcoming culture.
Okay I still have some hope even though I'm fired.
I hope that maybe one day, you'll try again.
And I'm pretty sure the next moment you'll be hired.
Steady, you said it like that.
I will try again.
Not everyone can be an Avian Keeper but everyone can be a visitor.
This year is Jurong's Bird Park 50th anniversary,
And there are a lot of special events lined up.
If you are interested, check out the description box below.
Thank you for watching this episode of Hired or Fired.
If you like this episode, remember to like, share, subscribe,
And watch our other videos over there.
I'll see you next time!