Voluntary Primate Keeper Internship

Closing date: Ongoing

Port Lympne - Voluntary Primate Keeper internship

At Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, situated near Hythe in Kent, we have an internship placement available on our primate section. We are looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to work alongside our small team of enthusiastic and likeminded Primate Keepers. Port Lympne works in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation; a charity committed to the conservation of rare and endangered animals through breeding and reintroduction programmes. Port Lympne is home to a collection of rare and endangered primates, including Javan gibbons, Dusky Langurs, Greater Bamboo Lemurs and Golden Bellied Mangabeys to name a few. The individual will be taught different primate husbandry techniques.

These placements are an excellent opportunity for you to shadow our keepers and to learn all aspects of animal husbandry. They will provide comprehensive practical training and significant insight into a successful and responsible zoological collection, with the goal of promoting your future employability in a career in animal husbandry.

Candidates must be 18 or over and need to have a good level of fitness and will be happy with heavy lifting as this position can be physically demanding. The applicant will also be happy working with heights.

This placement is ideal for individuals already studying or have recently finished an animal related course and are looking to gain experience in the zoo industry. Previous experience with animal husbandry is beneficial, but not essential to the role.

We are looking for a commitment of 3-4 days a week for 6-9 months for these internships.

As we are a Registered Charity, funded entirely by visitor fees and donations, we regret we are unable to offer any wages or salary for the placement. We will provide uniform and discount at the park’s food outlets for the days that you attend work. No other financial benefits are offered. Candidates will need to have the ability to financially support themselves for the entire length of the internship. Please be aware that unfortunately we are unable to accept non-UK residents or offer accommodation.

To apply, email your CV and covering letter to Simon Griggs - [email protected].

Please specify which internship you are applying for in your email subject.