Her family has a long zoo history. Grandfather G Permalo C Gomsamy joined the Singapore Zoo when it opened in 1973. Her father, Gurusamy Permalo, joined Night Safari when it opened in 1994.

Zookeeping is traditionally a male‑dominated job. Her father, Gurusamy Permalo, initially opposed her joining because the work involves heavy labour and lifting.

Rutraajni is a boxer and powerlifter who can lift 160 kg. This ability shows she can meet the physical demands of the job, even though many think it is only for men.

Her story shows how a family tradition can guide a career and how a woman can succeed in a field that is usually seen as male‑only.