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- 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.
- Benefits: Uniform provided and discounts at park food outlets.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while learning from experts.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, physically fit, and ideally studying animal-related courses.
- Other info: Commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6-12 months; no financial compensation.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
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
Voluntary Gorilla Keeper Internship in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Contact Detail:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary Gorilla Keeper Internship in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns and staff at Howletts Wild Animal Park. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they look for in candidates and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from the team, let your enthusiasm for animal husbandry shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about working with gorillas and conservation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the physical side of things! Since this role can be demanding, we suggest you get fit and ready for heavy lifting. Maybe even share your fitness journey with the team to show you’re up for the challenge!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV and covering letter highlight your relevant experience and why you’re the perfect fit for the internship.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary Gorilla Keeper Internship in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or studies related to animal husbandry. We want to see your passion for wildlife and any hands-on experience you've had, so don’t hold back!
Personalise Your Covering Letter: Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re excited about this internship and how it fits into your career goals. We love hearing personal stories, so make it unique to you.
Show Your Commitment: Since we’re looking for a commitment of 3-5 days a week, be clear about your availability in your application. We appreciate candidates who are ready to dive in and get their hands dirty with us!
Apply Through Our Website: While you can email your application, we encourage you to check out our website for more details. It’s a great way to get a feel for our values and what we’re all about before you apply!
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 conservation. Familiarise yourself with Howletts Wild Animal Park's mission and the role of The Aspinall Foundation. Showing genuine interest in the animals and their welfare will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've studied animal husbandry or have any hands-on experience with animals, make sure to highlight this in your CV and during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your work or studies that relate to the responsibilities of a Gorilla Keeper.
✨Demonstrate Physical Readiness
Since the role can be physically demanding, be prepared to discuss your fitness level and any relevant activities you engage in. Mention any experience with heavy lifting or working at heights, as this will show you're ready for the challenges of the internship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the daily routines of the keepers, the training process, or how they handle animal welfare. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and commitment to learning more about the role.