Bloomberg volunteers in the moat

SA’s Sue Slotar and Bloomberg’s JB Viviers scrubg chimp cages

A large group of volunteers from global news and information organisation Bloomberg spent hours last year making a difference to the lives of the chimps at the Johannesburg Zoo.

Volunteers cleaned out the chimp cage moats in November- a smelly, dirty, but fulfilling job.

“The worst part was the smell, which I solved with tissues up my nose!” says Mandy Tillman, Bloomberg’s facilities manager for Africa and volunteer organiser.

In December, a volunteer team again moved in – this time to scrub out the chimps' sleeping quarters.

"Cleaning enclosures in severe heat was tough physical work, but we all enjoyed it. It meant instant weight loss and not having to go to the gym,” laughs Mandy.

In addition, the company donated E500 to JGI SA last year.

"Our association with JGI SA started because of our interest in chimps," says Mandy. “We really enjoy working with all the staff at JGI, and are always happy to lend a helping hand.

”This year, Bloomberg is planning several other events with JGI SA Roots & Shoots, including a soccer day with children from Soweto, and an outing to a farmyard.