WORK
EXPERIENCE.
We have a limited numbers of placements available to work experience students each year.
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Our placements are designed to offer people studying towards an animal management, bio-sciences or zoology qualification, a real life insight into the running of zoos.
​We accept applications from individuals 16 years and over, that are studying the courses mentioned above.
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For placements in 2026 and moving forward, we have now introduced a placement fee.
Over recent years, demand for work-experience positions has grown significantly, while the costs associated with delivering a high-quality placement have also increased. A meaningful placement requires dedicated staff supervision, structured training, protective equipment, and strict adherence to animal-welfare and safety standards. These elements ensure that students gain genuine insight into zoo operations while safeguarding both animals and participants.
Why We Charge for Work Experience
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At the HCC, we are committed to offering high-quality, meaningful work-experience placements that give students real insight into zoo operations, animal care, and conservation. To continue providing safe, structured, and educational opportunities, we now apply a placement fee.
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The fee can either be paid by yourself or funded by your education provider.
This fee supports:
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Dedicated staff supervision and mentoring
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High animal welfare and safety standards
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Training materials and equipment
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PPE and uniforms required on-site
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Structured, hands-on learning activities
Applying
1. To apply, please select your date from the calendar and fill in the questions (application form), when prompted.
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2. We will then review your application which will be accepted or declined within 7 days.
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3. If you are accepted, the fee will be taken. If you are declined, then payment will not be taken. We may contact you for further information before accepting your application.
What will you be doing?
Things to consider...
General maintenance of enclosures.
This will include, but is not limited to weeding, washing fences and windows, raking.
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General Site Maintenance.
This will include, but is not limited to litter picking, emptying bins, cleaning staff only areas such as our feed rooms and feed stores, sweeping paths.
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General Animal Husbandry
This may include cleaning animal enclosures, replenishing water, disinfecting enclosures and enclosure items, helping with feed deliveries, changing beds, sometimes helping with preparing feeds and enrichment provisions.
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Learning New Skills
Zookeeping is a skillful job, and we hope that you will take away relevant skills, or the beginning of those dependent on your placement length, with you to further enhance.
It's important to note that around 80-90% of your day is spent cleaning and not around animals.
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We must receive a recommendation as part of your application from your tutor/supervisor/programme leader on the application form to be considered.​​​
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We can accommodate longer placements.
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If you wish to apply, you must attend and be successful in a work experience interview before being offered a placement.
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Please apply on behalf of yourself only, as we will not accept applications that are on someone's behalf.
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