This summer we teamed up with our friends at Airtasker UK to launch a nationwide search for a new chief toymaker for our tigers Antonella, Natasha and Zoppa.
Using the Airtasker platform, we were looking for an expert to design, create and build a unique enrichment toy that stimulates our tigers key senses and natural instincts while challenging them physically and mentally.
We were overwhelmed by the responses and had a fantastic array of entries – but the standout winner was Alastair Nye, from just down the road in Bembridge of all places! Sometimes greatness can be found right under your nose.
Alastair is a teacher from Ryde Academy and a hobby carpenter who wowed us with his vision and ideas to create a bespoke enrichment toy for our tigers. Yesterday afternoon he visited the sanctuary to meet Antonella, Natasha and Zoppa in their habitat and watch an enrichment experience before having a briefing meeting with Marc Fox, our Animal Manager, and our Animal Carer Sandra Peelo.
The creative spark was well and truly lit and the ideas flowed – Alastair left the sanctuary with plenty of thoughts on the best ways he can use his carpentry skills to create an incredible, unique toy for our tigers. It is no easy task but we will accept nothing but the best for Antonella, Natasha and Zoppa. Thanks to Airtasker UK we have just the man for the job!
Follow Alastair’s progress on our social media as he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.
