A Chessington World of Adventures (CWA) zookeeper has left the UK for the rain forests of Malaysia to help its government set up the country's first major zoo.

In what can rightly be described as a dream secondment, Nick Simpson-Eyre flew out on Sunday and was due to start work there on Monday.

While there he will train staff, head research projects, raise public awareness, develop educational programmes and generally help make Lok Kawi a world class establishment.

The 29-year-old, who has been at CWA for eight years, said: "It really is such an exciting project that they are doing there. I have seen a handful of photos and it looks impressive. I'm expecting to find a world class attraction, albeit in the early stages.

"I will be doing a whole range of things really, from the basics of animal husbandry to general health and safety.

"We have all the records and research to do as well."

Zoos have plenty of detractors, people who believe animals are better off in the wild rather than on display for gawking tourists and screaming children.

But Nick is a firm believer in the function of a modern zoo, and subscribes to techniques designed to keep animals stimulated and happy.

He has an obvious love for the big cats he primarily cared for at the Leatherhead Road park, and as we toured the park before his departure, he spoke fondly of all the animals, particularly his two favourites, spectacular 104 kg tiger Ratna and lion Divika, who recently celebrated her sixth birthday.

He first told his mother he wanted be a zoo keeper while watching Johnny Morris on Animal Magic, aged three.

He added: "It is one of those childhood jobs like being a fireman or a police officer but it has since turned into much more. I have got into the conservation and research side of things and that made me want to do even more.

"I have had some great experiences, whether it is breeding endangered species and watching them flourish or getting to know the animals from a young age.

"Of course you get attached and there are bad times, but the positives generally outweigh the negatives."

One recollection he might well wish to forget is the time working in Devon when the monkeys started making danger calls. He soon realised a goat had escaped its enclosure.

He said: "Unfortunately the way back to the children's section was right past the leopard enclosure and the billy goat got a bit jittery, spun around and spun me around with it and sped down the busiest part of the zoo in the middle of the day.

"There were people jumping out of the way. I didn't know whether to shout yeeha' or cling for my life."

q See our forthcoming Schools Pages for Nick's Malaysian adventure diary.

drankin@london.newsquest.co.uk