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.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while learning from the best in the field.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those studying or recently completed an animal-related course; must be physically fit.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 € per month.
Looking to gain experience in the zoo industry? 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 like-minded 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.
Training and ResponsibilitiesThis 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.
Qualifications And RequirementsThese 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 candidates 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.
Financial and Other InformationAs 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 park's 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.
Voluntary Gorilla Keeper Internship in Hythe employer: TargetJobs UK
Howletts Wild Animal Park is an exceptional employer for those passionate about wildlife conservation, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry alongside dedicated professionals. Located near Canterbury, Kent, the park fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises learning and personal growth, making it an ideal environment for aspiring zoo industry professionals. Interns will benefit from comprehensive training and the chance to contribute to vital conservation efforts, all while enjoying discounts at park facilities during their placement.
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. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteer at local animal shelters or wildlife centres to boost your CV. It shows your commitment and gives you practical skills that will impress the Gorilla Keepers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research the park and its conservation efforts. Be ready to discuss how your passion aligns with their mission – it’ll show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary Gorilla Keeper Internship in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation 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 animal husbandry. We love seeing candidates who have a background in animal-related courses or hands-on experience, so don’t hold back!
Be Honest About Your Availability:Since we’re looking for a commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6-12 months, be clear about your availability in your application. This helps us understand if you’re a good fit for the role and our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨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 work they do with The Aspinall Foundation. Showing genuine interest in the animals and their welfare will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for animal husbandry and working with wildlife. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's volunteering at a local animal shelter or studying animal-related courses. Passion can set you apart from other candidates!
✨Prepare for Physical Questions
Since the role is physically demanding, be ready to discuss your fitness level and any experience you have with heavy lifting or working at heights. Highlight any previous roles that required physical stamina, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the internship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training process, daily responsibilities, or how the team approaches animal care. It shows you're engaged and serious about the opportunity, which can leave a lasting impression.
