Greetings from Scotland

D

Dinkyfish

New Member
Hello everyone, very nice to meet you all! My name is Gillian and I'm looking to take a big leap and change my career towards something more animal-related. I currently own two very naughty ferrets, Frankie and Benny, and have kept a wide range of different animals in the past.

I've spent the past few years working as a games programmer which is something I do enjoy, but it has become gradually more apparent to me that my heart simply isn't in it. Animals have always been my passion, and I was silly to think that sitting in front of a computer all day could ever compare to the joy of taking care of an animal.

I could go on about how I am passionate, intelligent, keen, etc but I am sure I would bore you all to death. So instead I am simply going to ask for some advice: where do I start? I would especially love to speak to anyone who is currently involved in an animal-care profession but value input from everyone. A change as big as this one seems daunting to me but I truly think it is the best thing I could do.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I look forward to getting to know everyone!
 
Welcome to ZooChat Gillian and good luck with your career change. I think if you could find somewhere that allows volunteers to work with the animals that would be a good start, although I suspect larger zoos can be a bit snooty about this. Can you enrol on an animal-care course? My local zoo at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, takes lots of people from local colleges on work experience and several have stayed as volunteers (and some are on the casual staff). Other people have volunteered too. I suspect you are still quite young, so have plenty of time but in the right circumstances even older people can become zoo keepers - I became one at 40 (and I wish I hadn't decided I was the worst in the UK and given up) and Sewerby has had other keepers start in their 40s and 50s, plus someone at Flamingo Land a few years ago was 50 when he started. I'm sure you aren't anywhere near as old as that, but I'm saying there is always hope and there are plenty of places, probably usually the smaller ones, that could give you an opportunity. Obviously location plays a part though, and Ayrshire isn't awash with zoos like some areas of the UK. Anyway, good luck again!
 
Thank you very much, that is some good advice there. I will have a good look about for volunteer positions and see if there is anything in the area (I'm willing to move within reason).

Fingers crossed I can find something! I'm a fast learner and able to get on well with most people so hopefully I can make a good enough impression to secure even a part-time job :)
 
Good idea it's never too late

To start up with 40,50 or even 60 is good for your age,feeling and spirit.The right is for you. Zoo keeper ,why not,if the zoos have free vacancies.In former days it was my wish to be an animal keeper or for little monkey babies. Now I am 60 and I produce flowercollages of animals and others. It is fine and beautiful and good for the soul.Now I hope it is also good for the money pocket:).

I wish you all luck
Esther
AzMtBhECIAAgT9S.png
 
I started as a volunteer over 30 years ago at our zoo demonstrating animals. Worked in the gift shop, front gate, and finally got to work with animals. I'm now a supervisor and really love this job. Learn as much as you can about the animals including natural history, dietary needs, behaviour, temprement, etc. Be willing to try new things. Volunteer wherever you can and learn from the wonderful keepers. I'm coming up to retirement and will never regret the many years I've spent in the zoo field.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top