Students studying the Level 2 Animal Care at Bridgwater College have had a taste of what it is like to be a zoo keeper for the day at Tropiquaria Zoo in Watchet.
Tropiquaria Zoo is currently undergoing exciting new developments as a result of changes to the local road network around the site. The focus for the day was to show the students how much hard work is involved in the role of a zoo keeper.
Tasks included assisting with the preparation of the enclosure for the zoo’s new avian residents, supporting the construction of the brand new gibbon house, cleaning the existing enclosures and helping to prepare the zoo for the summer season. The group were also given the opportunity to feed the meerkats, get up close with the lemurs and meet Rocky the resident racoon.
Student Sophie Tredwin said,
“I enjoyed myself a lot. I enjoyed feeding the lemur and I have learnt that working in a zoo really isn’t easy.”
Alex Aldred, who also studies the Level 2 in Animal Care added,
“I enjoyed getting experience of how it would be working in a zoo and helping get the enclosures ready for the animals.”
Theresa Stone, Lecturer for Animal Care at Bridgwater College said,
“Many students come on to the course wanting to be zoo keepers; this opportunity helps to demonstrate to the students the wider scope of this job and how much physical work there is, whatever the weather.”
If you would like more information about studying Animal Care and Animal Management courses at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team.
