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JOIN OUR STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
A Student Internship within the Wildlife Department will give you experience 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 an 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
• Carnivores
• Discovery Trail Sea Lions, Aquarium and Lorikeets
• Discovery Trail Reptiles, Twilight Cave (bats, monkeys) and Invertebrate
• Discovery Trail – African Village and Lemur Woods
Applications are currently open for our 2025 intake.
WHAT'S INVOLVED
The unpaid 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 and daily talks for the general public.
Such experience and an appropriate qualification are vital for gaining employment in the zoo industry.
This placement would be suitable for 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.
Placements are available for 6, 9 or 12 months, with the minimum placement being 6 months and training for a minimum of 4 days a week.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Before you start your placement, you will participate in a health and safety induction and be introduced to the areas you will be working in. You will be provided with a full uniform that must be worn while you are on your placement.
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.