At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry and work closely with passionate Gorilla Keepers.
- Company: Howletts Wild Animal Park, a leader in wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Uniform provided and discounts at park food outlets during your shifts.
- Other info: Commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6-12 months; no financial compensation offered.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while learning from the best in the field.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, physically fit, and ideally studying or recently completed an animal-related course.
Looking to gain experience in the zoo industry? Internship Commencement – New Year 2026. At Howletts Wild Animal Park, situated near Canterbury in Kent, we have an internship placement available on the Gorilla Section. We are looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to work alongside our small team of enthusiastic and likeminded Gorilla Keepers. Howletts works in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation; a charity committed to the conservation of rare and endangered animals through reintroduction programmes.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to the largest captive breeding group of Western Lowland Gorillas in the world with over 150 births to date. The individual will be taught husbandry techniques, as well as day to day duties. This placement is an excellent opportunity for you to shadow our keepers and to learn all aspects of animal husbandry. They will provide comprehensive practical training and significant insight into a successful and responsible zoological collection, with the goal of promoting your future employability in a career in animal husbandry.
These placements will be ideal for individuals already studying or have recently finished an animal related course and are looking to gain experience in the zoo industry. These positions can be physically demanding so will need to have a good level of physical fitness, be happy working at height and comfortable with heavy lifting.
Candidates must be 18 or over and we are looking for a commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6-12 months for these internships. As we are a Registered Charity, funded entirely by visitor fees and donations, we regret we are unable to offer any wages or salary for the placement. We will provide uniform and discount at the parks food outlets for the days that you attend work. No other financial benefits are offered. Candidates will need to have the ability to financially support themselves for the entire length of the internship. Please be aware that unfortunately we are unable to accept non-UK residents or offer accommodation.
To apply, email your CV and covering letter to Chloe Styles: ChloeS@howletts.com
Gorilla Keeper Internship - Hands-On Animal Husbandry in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park is an exceptional employer for those passionate about animal husbandry, offering a unique opportunity to work with the largest captive breeding group of Western Lowland Gorillas in the world. Interns will benefit from hands-on training alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive and conservation-focused environment, enhancing their employability in the zoo industry while contributing to vital conservation efforts. Located near Canterbury, Kent, this internship provides a meaningful experience for individuals eager to make a difference in wildlife preservation.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gorilla Keeper Internship - Hands-On Animal Husbandry in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you're keen on the Gorilla Keeper Internship, try volunteering at local animal shelters or zoos. This shows your commitment and gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the zoo industry through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Join groups related to animal husbandry and engage in discussions to make yourself known in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Howletts Wild Animal Park and their conservation efforts. Show us that you’re not just passionate about animals but also about the mission of the organisation. Tailor your answers to reflect this!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the proper channels.
We think you need these skills to ace Gorilla Keeper Internship - Hands-On Animal Husbandry in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal husbandry shine through! We want to see why you're excited about working with gorillas and how this internship fits into your career goals.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or studies related to animals. We love seeing candidates who have a background in animal care or conservation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain why you want to join our team at Howletts Wild Animal Park and what you hope to learn during the internship. Keep it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Know Your Gorillas
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about gorillas and their behaviour. Understanding their habitat, diet, and social structures will show your passion for animal husbandry and impress the keepers.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this internship requires a significant time commitment, be prepared to discuss your availability and dedication. Highlight any previous experiences that demonstrate your reliability and willingness to work hard in physically demanding roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Gorilla Section and the conservation efforts at Howletts. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers and learn more about their work.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As you'll be working closely with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well in teams before, especially in challenging situations.
