Hours: Six, Nine and Twelve month Wildlife Keeper Student Internships are available within the Wildlife Department. Internships are based on a minimum 30 hour (4-day) week, and note that these placements are unpaid. Candidates must be completing this placement as part of a full-time education course in a relevant topic, or have graduated from a relevant course within the last 12 months. We are looking for candidates to start from June 2023 for the next academic year.


Description: A Student Internship within the Wildlife Department will give you experience of working with exotic animal species in a zoological setting. You will gain a deep understanding of the tasks involved in maintaining a zoological setting and appreciation for the legal requirements of managing such a collection. This particular role is intended for individuals who are looking to become a Wildlife Keeper in future. We are looking for placements within the following sections:

* Hoofstock Africa
* Hoofstock Asia
* African Village
* Carnivores
* Discovery Trail Sea lions, Aquarium and Lorikeets
* Discovery Trail Reptiles, Twilight Cave (bats, monkeys) and Invertebrates

The placement involves training in all aspects of the department; allowing students to assist with the daily tasks of general husbandry, cleaning and mucking out of animal areas. Students will also assist Wildlife Keepers with animal health care checks, patrol work and daily talks for the general public.

Such experience is vital for gaining employment in the zoo industry along with an appropriate qualification.

Before you start your placement, you will participate in a health and safety induction and introduced to the areas you will be working in. We have protocols in place to safeguard all students and staff alike from the spread of Covid-19. You will be provided with full uniform that must be worn while you are on your placement.

This placement would be suitable to students in their 'placement' year, but we would also consider new graduates. Please be aware that the internships must be fully completed within 12 months of graduating an animal related course so bear this in mind when applying.

The placement is unpaid and we do not provide accommodation on site so you would need to consider the costs of funding yourself through your placement with us before applying.

Students wanting to work with bats must be rabies vaccinated (at their expense) prior to starting a placement.

To submit your application for this role, please Apply Online