Work experience

The Zoo offers a limited number of work experience placements in most departments. Please read below to see if you are eligible for a place.

Practical Animal Experience

We will only accept applications for practical animal husbandry placements if you are a student studying at South Devon College. Applications and interviews for placements take place at the start of the Autumn term.

Veterinary Department

We accept current veterinary students and trainee vet nurses for a minimum of 3 weeks. A placement provides valuable experience and knowledge in dealing with “exotic” animals, which the current veterinary curriculum does not cover extensively.

For younger students aiming to gain places at veterinary college, we encourage you to get as much experience as possible in general veterinary practices / farms / animal shelters etc. as this will be of most relevance to you.

To apply for a placement, please click here to email [email protected].

Education Department

We offer a limited number of placements per year for trainee or recently qualified teachers.

To apply for a placement, please email [email protected].

Graphics Department

We offer work experience to students from Year 10 upwards. Please apply as soon as possible, as we are limited in the number of students that we can accommodate and get booked up well in advance.

To apply for a placement, please email [email protected].

Gardens

We offer placements to Horticultural students from colleges and universities. Please apply as soon as possible. We take students from age 16 and over, for a minimum of 1 week.