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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 says she misses the penguins even when she's off duty
