After obtaining her prestigious master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, Mã Nhã made headlines with her unconventional career choice—cleaning animal enclosures at the Shanghai Zoo. Graduated with honors, the 25-year-old Mã Nhã has sparked both intrigue and controversy as she transitions from academic excellence to the less-glamorous but meaningful work of animal care.
Born in 2000 in Nanning, China, Mã Nhã's academic path is impressive. She first studied at Nanjing University of Foreign Studies before heading to the UK, where she completed her studies at Imperial College London and then pursued veterinary research at Cambridge. Instead of leveraging her credentials for high-profile roles, she took on the physically demanding job of tending to animals, much to the surprise of many.
The day-to-day life of Mã Nhã at the zoo begins at 8 AM, where her tasks range from observing 64 animals, including deer and goats, to cleaning their habitats. "Despite the unpleasant odors, I enjoy working closely with the animals and ensuring they have healthy lives," Mã Nhã explained, as she cleans up after the herbivores. She notes the surprising volume of waste processed daily—an aspect she emphasizes is not as glamorous as it might sound but is rewarding nonetheless.
Mã Nhã’s hands-on approach to animal care involves checking the health and demeanor of the creatures under her watch. "Each detail matters, and sometimes something as simple as unusual behavior can point to health issues," she said, reflecting on the newfound knowledge she’s gained from the job. Often, she has to remind visitors about the proper ways to interact and feed the animals, highlighting her growing expertise.
Her experience hasn’t been without challenges. Initially assigned to care for elephants—a demanding physical job primarily meant for men—Mã Nhã had to overcome physical barriers and biases about women’s roles. She recalls, "Lifting feed buckets and ensuring the elephants are healthy was no easy task, but I persevered, learning practical skills every day on the job." It’s this dedication which has led to her contributions toward designing new animal exhibits, including one recognized internationally for its impressive presentation of red pandas.
Yet Mã Nhã’s career choice has ignited debates throughout Chinese social media. Critics have voiced concerns about her decision to return home to perform what they label menial tasks rather than pursuing prestigious jobs fitting her qualifications. Some comments have expressed sentiments like, “Is this how you waste your talents?” On the contrary, support for her choice has also emerged, with many applauding her passion for animal welfare.
A representative from the Shanghai Zoo stated, "Mã Nhã is not alone. Many of our staff come from renowned institutions like Cornell and Melbourne, showcasing the growing trend of highly educated individuals choosing to work with animals. We value their expertise and the unique insights they bring to our conservation efforts.” The increase of high-caliber applicants in the zoo sector reflects changing perceptions about career paths.
Despite the mixed reviews, Mã Nhã remains resolute about her path, affirming, "Working with animals is where I truly belong, and the knowledge I gain here surpasses what textbooks offer every day." Her story embodies the struggle between societal expectations and personal fulfillment, prompting others to reconsider what success looks like.
Today, Mã Nhã finds pride and accomplishment every day as she interacts with the animals she cares for. She sees her hands-on experience as not just a job, but as invaluable for her personal growth, advocating for the meaningful aspect of her work rather than adhering to conventional definitions of success.
With the spotlight on her unique career path, Mã Nhã serves as an inspiration for many who question traditional career narratives, proving such choices can be both fulfilling and impactful.