At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn animal care routines, feed animals, and maintain enclosures while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: The Living Rainforest, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and reasonable travel expense assistance.
- Other info: Flexible summer placement from June to September 2026 with potential for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal care while working in a vibrant tropical environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals and willingness to learn; no prior experience required.
The Living Rainforest is inviting applications to work as a summer volunteer with our Animal Department to gain experience within a zoological environment. We are pleased to offer a placement from June 2026 until September 2026, with some flexibility with dates.
The Trust for Sustainable Living is a registered charity based near Newbury, Berkshire. At our visitor centre, The Living Rainforest, the animal collection is contained within three tropical glasshouses and consists of more than 60 species, including callitrichids, toucans, turacos, snakes, chelonians, stingrays, dendrobatids, and invertebrates.
The Role
The primary role of the intern will be to learn daily husbandry and routines of our animal department, including feeding animals, maintaining enclosures, daily record keeping, diet preparation, and animal health checks. You will learn how to train and supervise existing volunteers, and participate in training new volunteers and work‑experience students. You will receive training and participate in keeper experiences. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of veterinary treatment, enclosure design, and record keeping.
Terms
This is a voluntary summer volunteer placement for a registered charity, beginning in June 2026. This placement is unpaid; however, we can assist with reasonable travel expenses. Hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, five days a week on a rota basis, possibly including weekends and bank holidays. It is necessary to have your own transport to get to and from The Living Rainforest each day, as public transport is infrequent in this area.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Living Rainforest is an exceptional employer for those passionate about wildlife and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant zoological environment. Located near Newbury, Berkshire, our welcoming work culture fosters learning and growth, allowing volunteers to develop essential skills in animal husbandry and training while contributing to the care of over 60 species. As a registered charity, we are committed to providing meaningful experiences that not only enhance your knowledge but also support your personal development in the field of animal care.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Living Rainforest. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the animals they care for. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal care and teamwork. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through. Share any relevant experiences, whether it’s volunteering, coursework, or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to wildlife conservation.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let us know why you love working with animals! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to get straight to the point while covering all the necessary details about your skills and experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Animal Keeper position and what you hope to learn during your time with us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on the species mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with their habitats, diets, and behaviours. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as someone who is passionate about animal care.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a voluntary position, it's crucial to express your dedication to the role. Be prepared to discuss why you want to volunteer at The Living Rainforest specifically and how you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the animal department's routines or the training process for new volunteers. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage with the role, making a great impression on the interviewers.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've had any previous experience with animals, whether through volunteering, work, or personal projects, make sure to mention it. Relate your experiences to the tasks outlined in the job description to show you're ready for the responsibilities.
