Quiet, independent and studious in nature, Chye-Mei was a high
achiever at secondary school. An NCEA Excellence student, Chye-Mei
was known, said her Yr 13 Dean, for her goal setting abilities and
for maximising opportunities. Her strongest subject was Science and
she won the Mitchell Shield several years running.
Bell Gully's Christine Innes said "Chye-Mei will fit in very well
with the team at Bell Gully with her hardworking team spirit and
excellent communication skills."
While still a school Chye-Mei volunteered for years at a SPCA
Birdwing unit and developed a love for conservation and empathy for
animals. She went on to study a Bachelor Science at the University
of Canterbury and spent 2009 volunteering at Orana Park in
Christchurch. She graduated from this degree in 2010.
In 2011 she obtained one of the contested places in Unitec's
postgraduate programme in Wildlife Management. In 2012 Chye-Mei
gained a permanent position as a keeper at Wellington Zoo.