Voluntary Great Ape Keeper Internship

Closing Date: Ongoing

Commitment: 3-5 days a week for 6-12 months

At Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, situated near Hythe in Kent, we have a voluntary internship placement available on the Gorilla and Orangutan Section. We are looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to work alongside our small team of enthusiastic and like-minded Great Ape 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 the largest captive breeding group of Western Lowland Gorillas in the world with over 150 births to date. The individual will be taught husbandry techniques, as well as enrichment building, ape nutrition and educational public speaking.

Opportunity Overview

This placement is 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.

Ideal Candidates

These placements will be ideal for individuals already studying or who have recently finished an animal-related course and are looking to gain experience in the zoo industry. Candidates must be 18 or over, 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 comfortable working with heights.

Commitment Required

We are looking for a commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6-12 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 a uniform and a 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 we are unable to offer accommodation.