Marycke Jongbloed

What a fascinating career.

I must have moved to Dubai at about the same time that Marijcke Jongbloed arrived in Al Ain; the inland oasis belonging to the neighbouring Emirate, Abu Dhabi . She had come from Holland to work as a GP in the government hospital and was eagerly looking forward to getting to know her new home. She arrived with three cats, little realising how her menagerie was to grow.

Early on she met the zoo curator of the Al Ain zoo, whom she dubbed CC, and together they explored the deserts and wadis (dry river beds) of the Emirates. Marijcke loved this barren world and became knowledgeable about its plants and animals. She wrote articles for local newspapers and earned herself a reputation as an animal lover and naturalist.

Starting with two tortoises, given to her by a colleague who was returning home, Marijcke's animal collection grew to include many rescued and rare animals and birds. With the help of Namibi, an Indian houseboy, she cared for marmosets, a breeding pair of wildcats, a hyrax and sand foxes, to name but a few. As each animal is introduced she provides some fascinating background and personal anecdotes.

Marijcke was very concerned about the dwindling numbers of local species such as the Arabian Leopard, and together with a group of animal lovers, started The Arabian Leopard Trust. This organisation was the seed that eventually gave rise to The Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, where rare breeds are given every opportunity to reproduce before they become extinct.
I have visited the Sharjah Wildlife Centre, attached to the Breeding Centre, and it is a haven of calm, where Arabian species, from reptiles to mammals, may be viewed at leisure.

Fat Legs Don't Matter recounts how Marijcke's love of animals eventually produced the opportunity for her to change career paths and become the director of the new Breeding Centre.
After twenty years devoted to the rescue and breeding of wildlife, she retired to France for a well earned rest.

This was a fascinating read, written with honesty and feeling. Although the animals feature a lot, she also tells of the break-up of her relationship and the struggles with the authorities. A great book, especially pertinent for animal lovers and people who have lived in the Emirates.… (meer)