Brooklands Zoo

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Becoming a Zookeeper

Zookeepers must be physically fit, be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, be willing to work weekends and holidays and be dedicated with a passion for animals. Keeper staff must also have good communication skills, good observation skills, be team players and personable (dealing with the public as well as animals are big parts of a keeper’s job) along with a good understanding and knowledge of the animals they work with.

Opportunities for employment at zoos are slim and having a good education with as much experience with animals is beneficial if you want to enter the zoological field. 

One course that is recommended in New Zealand is the Unitec National Certificate in Captive Wild Animals. Other useful qualifications include varying science degrees and veterinary qualifications. Gaining animal related work experience overseas or experience with conservation based programs or projects is often useful as well.

Any of our zoo keeping positions are listed in the jobs section of our website. You can also become a fan of our Facebook page - New Plymouth District Council, to stay in touch with us.

If you are interested in becoming a zookeeper – one of the best ways to find out what zoo keeping is about is to volunteer at a zoo.

Volunteering at Brooklands Zoo 

• Do you have some spare time?
• Are you interested in animals and conservation? 
• Are you physically fit?
• Do you have a big smile and lots of enthusiasm?
• Are you reliable?
• Are you keen to meet new people and be part of a team?

If your answer is yes, then becoming a volunteer at Brooklands Zoo could be just the thing for you!

We are always looking for keen and reliable volunteers to help out with the many jobs involved with the day to day running of the zoo. Although volunteers do not work directly with many of the animals, all of the activities they are involved in do contribute directly to the zoo and the care of the animals. 
 
Typical volunteer activities include:

• Animal food preparation.  
• Assisting keepers with cleaning of enclosures.
• Assisting keepers in walking/grazing some of the farm animals around Pukekura Park. 
• Making environmental/behavioural enrichment items for the animals.
• Tending our vegetable garden where we grow food for the animals.
• Talking to the public about our animals.
• Assisting with small maintenance tasks around the zoo.

If you are interested in becoming a Brooklands Zoo volunteer then you will need to decide which days you can commit to and how many hours you can spare. The zoo is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day) from 9am until 5pm.

Please complete the application form.  If you have any questions or would just like to find out more, please feel free to contact us.   
 
Please note: All volunteers must be over 16 years old and be able to work independently. Also due to the volume of volunteer applications you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted once a volunteer position becomes available.