Working Wonders: Sherona Dhunraj, Ski Dubai's penguin trainer – in pictures

  • Sherona Dhunraj is a senior animal care specialist looking after penguins at Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. All photos: Leslie Pableo / The National
    Sherona Dhunraj is a senior animal care specialist looking after penguins at Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. All photos: Leslie Pableo / The National
  • She focuses on animal behaviour and welfare at the attraction
    She focuses on animal behaviour and welfare at the attraction
  • She now counts 31 large King and Gentoo penguins among her colleagues at the Mall of the Emirates indoor ski resort
    She now counts 31 large King and Gentoo penguins among her colleagues at the Mall of the Emirates indoor ski resort
  • Ms Dhunraj grew up in Durban, South Africa, and has worked in the animal field for 15 years
    Ms Dhunraj grew up in Durban, South Africa, and has worked in the animal field for 15 years
  • Her passion is in animal behaviour and she used to work with dolphins and seals
    Her passion is in animal behaviour and she used to work with dolphins and seals
  • She says one of the best moments of her job is the penguin encounters
    She says one of the best moments of her job is the penguin encounters
  • Ms Dhunraj says it is hard not to a connection with the birds
    Ms Dhunraj says it is hard not to a connection with the birds
  • Ski Dubai also runs a 'penguin march' presentation four times a day for guests
    Ski Dubai also runs a 'penguin march' presentation four times a day for guests
  • A typical day for Ms Dhunraj includes checking on each penguin and making sure they are healthy
    A typical day for Ms Dhunraj includes checking on each penguin and making sure they are healthy
  • Ms Dhunraj also trims the penguins' nails
    Ms Dhunraj also trims the penguins' nails
  • She also prepares the fish for each penguin's diet since the amount is different depending on the species.
    She also prepares the fish for each penguin's diet since the amount is different depending on the species.
  • The Kings eat around 2kg of fish each day, while the Gentoos eat around 500g
    The Kings eat around 2kg of fish each day, while the Gentoos eat around 500g
  • Ms Dhunraj also partakes in guest encounters throughout her shift
    Ms Dhunraj also partakes in guest encounters throughout her shift
  • In between, there are training sessions, play sessions and enrichment sessions with the penguins
    In between, there are training sessions, play sessions and enrichment sessions with the penguins
  • Ms Dhunraj loves that each of the penguins is unique and has their own mannerisms.
    Ms Dhunraj loves that each of the penguins is unique and has their own mannerisms.
  • Ms Dhunraj says she misses the penguins even when she's off duty
    Ms Dhunraj says she misses the penguins even when she's off duty