This has taken him closer to nature and the wild than what most of us would be comfortable with.
Who's who in the zoo?
Alan, who with other selfless conservationists has dedicated his life to saving our fragile earth, grew up in a different kind of jungle called Johannesburg. But even as a child he pursued nature's mysteries. His fascination with primates led him to a job at the Johannesburg Zoo, where he eventually headed up the great ape sanctuary.
He smiles, recalling having met the iron-fisted Dianne Fossey, well-known for her pioneering work amongst gorilla groups in Rwanda, and the impression she had made on him.
Alan, however, has his own share of extraordinary tales to tell about gorillas like Max and Sylvia, with whom he shared a significant part of his life.
Zoo keeping in 1979, when Alan joined the ranks of a strict, predominantly Afrikaans hierarchy amongst the staff of the Johannesburg Zoo, was vastly different to today. After learning the ropes from his Afrikaans mentors, of whom he tells the most colourful tales, and further studies in animal science at WITS, he joined the National Zoo in Pretoria for another 10 years.
His vast experience in zoo keeping has produced a legacy of its own.
Alan has served as an Executive Committee Member of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB), as a previous Chairman of the Welfare Working Group of PAAZAB and also as Chairman of their Ethics Committee. He has written various PAAZAB manuals concerning the enviromental and behavioural enrichment for primates, elephants and marine mammals.
Alan was invited to the Netherlands and USA as Subject Matter Expert to contribute towards building the $10 million Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) that replaced the dated International Species Information System (ISIS).
A coastal calling
Alan then relocated to Cape Town where he served in a number of senior and executive positions, including Director of World of Birds and Chief Executive Officer of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, SANCCOB.
Coral fish have always fascinated him, but the destruction of the reefs troubled him deeply.
While living in Johannesburg, he often consulted people who bought exotic marine fish and ended up not knowing how to properly care for it. As a result he wrote his first book, titled "The Marine Aquarium" (1997), intended to empower people to enjoy their hobby in a conservation minded manner.
He pioneered larvae rearing techniques for the infamous Nemo (anemonefish - Amphiprion ocellaris) and still keep marine fish and invertebrate animals.
Untold stories unfold
Alan's latest book, "I Touched the Moon", to be released later this month, is a fascinating recollection of highlights from his life experiences.
He has been involved in conservation and the sometimes romantic, but invariably hectic world of zoos.
"Mine is principally a story of animals, an epic journey to meet not only some of earth's rarest creatures, and many of the remarkable people associated with their lives.
"The mysteries and secrets of zoos and other conservation bodies ultimately comes to life through the folk who are part of these organizations," says Alan.
Alan states that zoos are about people, and not merely animal facilities.
Alan has a passion for educating people and bringing home the message that everybody can do something for the environment, however small they may consider it to be.
"Life's mysteries still confuse me, but I have sought meaning as best I could. Much of my search has brought me closer to nature and wild things. In many ways, the wild world is wonderfully unprejudiced; a universe of pure values, reflecting genuineness in relationships, sensitivity in communications and a deep tempered forbearance.
"We could do worse than live our lives by such standards. I have witnessed great kindness and tolerance, and have discovered that both can be as powerful as that rare attribute we so admire: courage.
"Now, in the autumn of my life, I realise that I am indeed a fortunate man," Alan concludes.
Speaking to Alan, makes you realize you are barely skimming the surface, because here lies a depth of understanding of how the wonderful wild world has been artfully interwoven - a depth that is keenly shared.
A picture by journalist Clive Lloyd that graced the front page of The Star, taken at the Johannesburg Zoo during the 1980's, shows the playful antics between Alan and Max, a fully grown male gorilla then in his care.
ARTICLE: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
