Skip to 0 minutes and 11 seconds Hello, I’m Kira, and welcome to this virtual work experience in zookeeping. Over the next four weeks, we’re going to take you behind the scenes of modern zoo work, what zoos do, what keepers really do every day, and the skills it takes to do the job well. So my name is Kira. I’m currently an Apprentice Keeper here at Whipsnade Zoo. We’re currently standing here on the farm. So this is basically like my second home. It’s my happy place. So as an Apprentice Keeper, my job is to go around different sections and learn different roles and learn what it’s like to take care of different species.
Skip to 0 minutes and 43 seconds In week one, we’ll be exploring what zoos are today, how modern zoo keeping has evolved, and why this role is about so much more than people often imagine. You’ll hear from real professionals, explore real case studies, and start building a clearer picture of whether this career could be right for you. But zookeeping doesn’t stop at understanding the role. It’s also about meeting animals needs every single day. So next Will takes us into nutrition and enrichment. Thanks, Kira. I’m Will and in week two. We’ll be going through two essential parts of animal care nutrition and enrichment. I work here at London Zoo, part of ZSL, with the hoofstock team. And it is the best job in the world.
Skip to 1 minute and 23 seconds We’ll look at how support animal wellbeing through diet, problem solving, observation and creative thinking. Because one size of care doesn’t fit all. As you move through the course, you won’t just learn what keepers do, you’ll start to see why detail, teamwork and planning matter so much. And once you understand how animals are fed, stimulated and supported, the next question is how do we keep them healthy? And how do we design spaces that let animals thrive? So over to Karam for week three. So I’m Karam, I work here with the elephants at Whipsnade Zoo. My role includes looking after these elephants, and that involves training, looking after their diets, cleaning up after them and anything in between.
Skip to 2 minutes and 1 second What I love the most about my job is the fact that I get to work with such amazing creatures every day. In this week of the course, I’ll be helping you explore how us keepers spot signs of ill health, work with vet teams and think carefully about the environments animals live in. In week three, you’ll see how careful observation, teamwork, training and design all come together to support animal welfare in practical, everyday ways. Thanks, Karam. I am Amelia, and in week four, we’re going to be looking at the bigger picture. Conservation and careers. So I’m Amelia, and I am one of the bird keepers here at London Zoo.
Skip to 2 minutes and 38 seconds Together we will be exploring how zoo work connects to species conservation, education, and the future of wildlife. And we’ll also look honestly at the different routes into the profession, the challenges you may face, and the opportunities ahead. This course is here to help you explore whether zookeeping is right for you. Build your understanding of the role and of course, take practical next steps towards a future in animal care. So wherever you’re starting from we are so excited to have you with us. So let’s get started.
