West Midlands Safari Park offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the zoo industry through its internship program within the Wildlife Department. This unpaid internship provides hands-on experience working with a diverse range of exotic animal species, including hoofstock, carnivores, sea lions, reptiles, bats, monkeys, and invertebrates.
What to Expect as a West Midlands Safari Park Intern
The West Midlands Safari Park internship is designed to provide comprehensive training and exposure to various aspects of animal care and management. Interns will assist Wildlife Keepers with daily tasks such as general husbandry, cleaning, and mucking out animal areas. They will also participate in animal health care checks and deliver educational talks to the public, gaining valuable experience in animal handling and public engagement.
Internship Placements and Durations
The internship placements at West Midlands Safari Park are available in the following sections:
- Hoofstock
- Carnivores
- Discovery Trail Sea Lions
- Aquarium and Lorikeets
- Discovery Trail Reptiles
- Twilight Cave (bats, monkeys)
- Invertebrate
- Discovery Trail – African Village and Lemur Woods
Interns can choose from 6, 9, or 12-month placements, with a minimum commitment of 6 months and a minimum of 4 days of training per week.
Application Process and Requirements
To apply for the West Midlands Safari Park internship, interested individuals must submit an online application. The application process involves a health and safety induction and an introduction to the areas in which the intern will be working.
It’s important to note that the internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for funding their own living expenses during the placement, as accommodation is not provided on-site. Additionally, students who wish to work with bats must be rabies vaccinated at their own expense prior to starting the placement.
Employee Benefits at West Midlands Safari Park
While the internship is unpaid, West Midlands Safari Park offers a range of benefits for its employees, including:
- Free entry to the park
- Discounts in retail and catering outlets
- 10% discount on staying at Safari Lodges
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- External discounts
- Membership discount at The Gym Group
Careers at West Midlands Safari Park
In addition to the internship program, West Midlands Safari Park offers a variety of fixed-term and permanent job opportunities across different departments, including:
- Admissions
- Retail
- Catering
- Theme park
- Engineering
- Facilities
- Wildlife and education
- Venues
- Accommodation
These positions provide a chance for individuals to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the park’s operations, while also benefiting from the employee perks.
Conclusion
The West Midlands Safari Park internship offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the zoo industry. By providing hands-on experience working with a diverse range of exotic animals, the internship program equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Wildlife Keepers. Whether you’re a student or a career-changer, the West Midlands Safari Park internship is an excellent way to gain practical experience and take the first step towards a rewarding career in animal care and conservation.
References:
– West Midlands Safari Park Jobs
– West Midlands Safari Park Work Experience
– West Midlands Safari Park Internships
– West Midlands Safari Park Careers Vacancy
– West Midlands Safari Park Careers Vacancy