Volunteering at Wingham Wildlife Park

This week my blog is all about our amazing volunteers that we have working at the park. They are part of the keeping team here and it is important to us keepers to make them feel like they are as well. So, I’d just like to say a massive thank you to all the current/previous volunteers who I have met over the years who have given up their time to help us out at the park, it really does mean a lot! I started my time at Wingham as a volunteer, so I understand what it’s like and the dedication it takes to offer time for free. Over my time here at Wingham I have met a lot of different people with different backgrounds and reasons as to why they come in and volunteer. We are always on the lookout for people of any age (18 or above) who want to donate their time to us. The keepers do a great job at the park, but it is always of great use to us if we have volunteers helping out at the park to aid with mucking in, preparing food, help with gardening, keeping the park tidy and supervising our walk through enclosures etc. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about animals and wants to help, or people going into new professions or university looking to gain experience. If you think volunteering is something that you’d be interested in, then please don’t hesitate in contacting us. Animal care qualifications count for a lot but there are few zoos who will take on keepers with no exotics experience, I’ve always said it’s not always about a qualification on a piece of paper but hands on experience that will help you get a job. Anyways enough of me talking, I posed questions to some current volunteers we have at the park and here are their answers.

Emily

How long have you been volunteering for and on which section?

Three months with the Carnivore Section.

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

If I could only choose one, then probably the tigers. They are my favourite animal and I can contribute to spreading awareness about the reasons behind their endangerment. Working with them also helps me understanding their behaviours better.

Why have you decided to start volunteering at Wingham?

I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to follow, so I volunteered at the park to see if it is something that I would enjoy.

Katie

How long have you been volunteering for and on which section?

I have been volunteering at Wingham on the Mammal section for 5 months.

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

My favourite animal I work with are the Rothschild’s giraffes. I like their unique coat patterns and amazed by how tall they are. They have some unusual behaviours such as necking. I also find it interesting that when they are born, they can walk relatively quickly after birth and that they sleep while standing up.

Why have you decided to start volunteering at Wingham?

I have always had a passion for animals and would like a career in the zoo industry. I volunteer to help the keepers and to get more experience and knowledge.

Keeley

How long have you been volunteering for and on which section?

I have only just started volunteering on the mammal section but I have done work experience before at the park.

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

Tapirs, as they are one of my favourite animals and its never a dull moment when I get to work with them.

Why have you decided to start volunteering at Wingham?

I love animals and have always wanted to work with them. Wingham is my local zoo, I have been visiting since I was young and always loved it. I hope to gain valuable knowledge and learn a lot more about the animals I’m working with.

Daisy

How long have you been volunteering for and on which section?

I have been volunteering at Wingham now for about 3 years on the primate section.

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

My favourite would be the ring-tailed lemurs, they have a mischievous side to them but also very cute at the same time.

Why have you decided to start volunteering at Wingham?

I love working with animals and learning something new every day when I’m around them. 

Emily

How long have you been volunteering for and on which section?

Just over 2 months on the best section, primates.

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

Sloths, I think they are amazing creatures. To be able to assist with their husbandry is rewarding even if it does mean being in their enclosure when it’s hot and humid.

Why have you decided to start volunteering at Wingham?

I would like to get a job as a zookeeper in the future. I am currently doing a course for zookeeping so it’s nice to get hands on experience. I love being around the animals aswell.