A Birthday to Remember

Posted on Wed August 27, 2025.

When we launched our Like, Share & Subscribe competition on social media, we were blown away by the enthusiasm and support from our community. After all the entries, we were thrilled to announce Anchen Killian as our lucky winner. Even more special, she chose to redeem her prize on her birthday on 13 August when she celebrated her 56th year.

The day began on a joyful note as our staff gathered to sing Happy Birthday to Anchen, setting the tone for a celebration filled with laughter and excitement. Together with her husband, she embarked on a private tour that included a behind-the-scenes visit to our Animal Kitchen, where she learned how meals are prepared daily for more than 90 species in our care.

Guided by one of our knowledgeable animal curators, Anchen and her husband were taken behind-the-scenes of our big cat enclosures, gaining a rare up-close look at these magnificent predators while hearing more about our conservation work. Her adventure continued with three chosen Ambassador Animal Encounters. They met Sarabi the Caracal, spent time with our playful Ring-tailed Lemurs, and enjoyed a memorable Cheetah Encounter.

A highlight of the day was meeting Herbert, our beloved Pygmy Hippo, up close. To top it all off, Anchen joined trained animal caregivers for the once in a lifetime experience of a harness walk with one of our ambassador cheetah on our private reserve. From start to finish, the day was alive with joy, learning, and unforgettable memories. It was a privilege for our team to celebrate such a special milestone with Anchen and her husband.

To ensure these memories last a lifetime, she also received a USB filled with photos from her special day. A perfect keepsake from a birthday that will be remembered for years to come.

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