Voluntary Work / Work Experience
Zoo2U is evolving into Holmes Chapel Zoo Limited. Volunteers play a very important role within our zoo as they assist staff and provide excellent customer service, which in turn helps with the success of the business.
We welcome volunteers to assist in the daily care and upkeep of the animals. Also available are voluntary positions in marketing and business studies. Zoo2U (and Holmes Chapel Zoo) is a small family run business so you may find that you are asked to carry out duties that appear unrelated to the voluntary position.
Volunteer support is vital as it allows for additional, but important tasks to be carried out such as behavioural observations or creating new enrichment ideas.
Volunteers must be aged 16 or over and will be required to obtain a DBS check. Please be aware that there is a high demand for volunteer places and limited availability.
What's in it for you?
As a volunteer, you will gain valuable experience in a growing business while working with animals, which will enhance your CV. You will also have the chance to meet lots of new people, make new friends, gain new skills and also do something perhaps completely different in your spare time!
In return, we ask that you commit to at least 4 weeks if not longer. This ensures the training you receive can be put to good use.
Volunteer - Keeper Team
Our animal collection includes a variety of species including Invertebrates, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Unlike most zoo’s, we take a hands on approach to the majority of our animals. Volunteers will work closely with the animal keepers to assist in the daily duties involved with caring for our animals.
Your role as a volunteer can sometimes be demanding but it is a great opportunity to work with a wide variety of exotic animals with our supportive and enthusiastic team.
Tasks that you may be asked to undertake:
Preparing animal feeds (including raw meat handling)
Cleaning out animal enclosures
Enclosure maintenance (rearranging/changing/adding furniture, checking boundaries etc)
Must be happy and able to work outside in all weather conditions
Creating animal enrichment
Should be happy to speak to the general public to answer questions and queries
Welcoming guests that visit
Preparation for outreach visits
Attend outreach events and help educate people about the animals/centre
General maintenance of the public and keeper areas around the centre (including litter picking and window washing).
Person specification:
Must be aged 16 or over
Must enjoy being part of a team
Must be working towards an animal qualification, enthusiastic about wildlife, conservation and educating the public, as well as have an interest in the work that we carry out
Must be happy and able to work outside in all weather conditions
Should be able to move heavy feed sacks and other such large and heavy items
Should be happy to speak to the general public to answer questions/queries
