Work Experience Students
The Park is a great place for college and university students studying
towards a degree in Animal Management (or similar) to gain practical
experience. Each year we offer a limited number of students a 'work
experience' opportunity, usually for a period of two weeks. This enables
students to be hands-on, working closely with experienced Keepers,
assisting with a wide range of animals and birds and gaining behind-the-scenes
experience in many aspects of Animal Keeping - feeding, cleaning,
health-checking as well as assisting with adhoc projects.
New Kids on the
Block
Holly Cluitt
-
Animal Keeper
This is my first season here at the Park as a Keeper.
I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity. I have
lived on the Isle of Wight all my life and I have fond memories of
visiting the Park as a child and feeding the waterfowl down by the
lake.
My passion for wildlife started at an early age and over the years
I have had many pets such as cats, dogs, gerbils and chickens. I have
always adored cats and In Sept 2005 I started volunteering at the
Cats Protection Adoption Centre in Ryde. Later that year I was offered
a paid job as a Cat Care Assistant and remained in the position for
four and a half years.
Perhaps my most memorable encounters with wildlife were in Kenya and
Tanzania. I went on a two week safari and was lucky enough to see
the many animals including thousands of Wildebeest, Lions, African
Elephants, Giraffes, Servals, the elusive Leopard and a rare glimpse
of Black Rhino. The highlight for me though was seeing three male
Cheetahs on the plains of the Masai Mara; it brought a tear to my
eye!
So far at the Park I have really enjoyed learning all the dietary
needs of the animals. There is so much to learn and I know that in
time it won't feel quite so daunting! My favourite animals at the
Park are the inquisitive Meerkats, Dippy the Humboldt Penguin, the
gentle Wallabies, Damien the tenacious Green-Crested Touraco and the
two adorable Pygmy Goats Basil and Olly. I hope to work at the Park
for many years to come; I believe working with animals is the most
rewarding job in the world.
Alison Kinnett -
Work Experience Student
I am in my first year of studying for a BTEC National
Diploma in Animal Management at the Isle of Wight College. Prior to
starting this course I volunteered, one day a week, at the RSPCA for
roughly a year. I have always enjoyed looking after my own pets and
decided to embark on a career working with animals.
I currently work every Wednesday at Seaview Wildlife as my Work Experience
Placement. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work in such
a lovely environment with the other Keepers. I am thrilled to have
been asked to come and work here as well during the Easter and summer
holidays.
Tim Hawkesworth -
Work Experience Student
I’m at the Park as a work experience student
as I’m hoping to become a vet. Most of my previous animal experience
has been with horses and I own two – a Falabella x and a Cob,
who I ride regularly. I have also spent some time on dairy farms and
in kennels but working with Wallabies, Meerkats and the many species
of birds at the Park has been quite different - there are so many
different feeding and care routines to remember. I’ve learnt
a lot during my time here!
Meet The Keepers
Craig
Holmes - Head Keeper
I have worked at the Park
as an animal keeper for many years. My favourite animals
in the Park are Basil the goat, Damien a very cheeky
Green-Crested Touraco that free-flys in the Tropical
House and lands on people's heads and Boris a donated
Molluccan Cockatoo who is a real character.
When I am not looking after the animals I like to spend
time with my friends and family, go shopping and spend
time relaxing. I also play a lot of football for Brading
Town Football club which keeps me fit!
Qualifications: National Certificate
in Animal Management from the Isle Of Wight College.
I have hand-reared Penguins,
Touracos, Laughing Thrushes and a Patagonian Conure
called 'Rio' who lives with me at home!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
My role at the Park involves looking after all of the
birds and animals (cleaning, feeding and medicating),
also organising all of the other keepers’ day-to-day
duties. I also spend time in the office replying to emails,
keeping stock lists and keeping zoo licensing requirements
up-to-date.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK
AND WHY?
My favourite part of the Park is the penguin pool –
watching the penguins chase the fish thrown in by the
public, and watching the public having a good time –
really makes the hard work worthwhile!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK AND
WHY?
I have too many to name – but from a conservation
point of view my favourite species are the Laughing
Thrushes as they have set us a new challenge in trying
to breed from them.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The best part of my job is knowing that the animals
rely on me for their everyday needs and being able to
give them exactly that. My favourite part of my job
is waiting for Spring to arrive to see what we have
bred.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Someone who is hardworking, enthusiastic, committed,
dedicated and reliable with a willingness to learn from
others for the benefit of the animals they are looking
after.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Socialising with my friends; spending my wages on clothes!;
keeping fit, and I play football for East Cowes Vics
Football Club.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Overcast days are probably one of the best days to visit
as all of the birds and animals seem to be active –
bring a camera and don’t forget to buy the duck
food to be able to get even closer to our waterfowl.
Tara
Hayter - Education Officer
I
have been an Animal Keeper at the Park for a number
of years but not before studying BSc Animal Science
(Behaviour and Welfare) at Plymouth University.
When I'm not getting my toes chewed by our cheeky Otters
or running around catching up newly hatched ducklings
I love to photograph and pencil draw some of my favourite
animals at the Park.
I am very passionate about
Wildlife Conservation and I am currently a volunteer
for the Wildlife Trust and BDMLR (British Divers Marine
Life Rescue) although I haven't saved any whales or
dolphins yet!
Perhaps my most memorable
wildlife encounters have been in New Zealand where I
was given the opportunity to swim with a colony of playful
seals, observe the rarest yellow-eyed penguin emerge
from the sea after a hard days fishing and capture the
moment of a humpback whale's fluke disappearing into
the depths of the ocean!
More recently I
fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Cape Town, South Africa,
where I volunteered for 6 weeks with SANCCOB (The South
African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds)
and was involved in the rehabilitation and release of
endangered African Penguins and other sick or injured
marine birds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
Providing educational/interactive presentations to visitors,
school children, both on/off site.
Day to day care of all the animals at the Park, including:
administering medication, providing enrichment, providing
a clean environment for them, providing fresh, clean food
and water daily.
Organisation of Animal Care Team to ensure smooth operation
of daily tasks.
Training of new Keepers and volunteers.
General and medical assistance to visitors and Keepers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
My favourite part is the general outlook and position
of the Park with the Solent and reserve in view!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK AND
WHY?
All the animals at the Park light up my day and put
a smile on my face so it’s impossible to have
a favourite animal as they all have their own cheeky
characters!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The close interaction with the animals at the Park in
an outdoor environment.
Providing visitors with an educational and interactive
experience, especially young children!
The beautiful location and surrounds of the Park, providing
the animals with spacious and natural-looking enclosures.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Hardworking, dedicated and passionate person who doesn’t
mind getting their hands dirty (and occasionally getting
the odd bite or bruise!)
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Wildlife photography, pencil drawing my favourite animals
at the Park, snorkelling, walking, conservation issues
(Wildlife Trust, BDMLR)
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Leave yourself plenty of time to take lots of photos!
And don’t forget to try one of Graham’s
homemade cookies!!
Tracy Manning
- Multi-tasker
Hi I am Tracy and this is
my second season as a keeper here at the Park. As I
have had no formal training in animal care I do a lot
of on the job training. This includes learning all the
diets, where the birds and animals come from and monitoring
their behaviour ~ there is lots and lots to learn and
take in!
Every species has different needs and different sized
feeds and some animals need more care than others.
As a child I had cats and dogs but I always wanted birds
but now I don't need to have them at home as we have
so many here at the Park that need love and attention.
My nickname here is 'Mother Goose' as I spend extra
time giving love and cuddles to the ducklings and the
baby goslings who have hatched in the incubation room.
I also seem to find nests in the strangest of places
from drains to buckets in sheds! I tend to keep an eye
on them making sure the mothers get food and are safe.
When the eggs hatch I help the other keepers move them
to the mother and duckling pen. I enjoy watching them
grow up and keep an eye on them.
I don't have a favourite species but if I had to make
a choice I would have to say the Penguins especially
'Sun' who hatched last year and he is the one I am holding.
I think this is one of the best jobs in the world and
very rewarding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHAT DOES YOUR
ROLE INVOLVE?
Feeding and cleaning a whole range of animals, checking
that they are healthy and happy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
I would have to say the Tropical House because seeing
the birds free-flying is magical and very calming; you
can sit and watch them for hours. All the plants are
stunning and I enjoy watching the birds making homes
in them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK
AND WHY?
Sun, a two year old Penguin; she comes when I call and
follows me around and hides between my legs from the
other penguins – and likes the back of her neck
being tickled!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Doing the animal talks, meeting the public and answering
their questions.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Someone who cares and loves the animals in the Park
– and can see just by looking that one is not
well or is unhappy, then doing everything they can to
make it right.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Make a day of it, come to all the talks , and take your
time going round; then when you have been round go to
our wonderful café, have a rest, then go round
again and see if you missed anything – or see
if any animal you could not see because it was hiding
has come out to play!
Fern
Daley- Animal Keeper
I studied at Sparsholt College and gained a first Diploma
and a National Certificate in Animal Management.
I've had work experience in
places such as Marwell Zoo. I was 'over the moon' to
have the opportunity to work here at the park as I've
always wanted to work with animals! I'm extremely fond
of all the animals at the park although 'pet's corner'
is probably my favourite section - and I get very protective
over the wallabies!
I am currently studying towards
a National Diploma in Ecology and am also very interested
in conservation and rehabilitation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHAT DOES YOUR
ROLE INVOLVE?
Mainly animal husbandry and giving fun talks to the public.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
Pets corner is probably my favourite, it has such a
wide range of animals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK
AND WHY?
My favourites are the ferrets because they are so cheeky
and playful. And also Borris the Moluccan Cockatoo,
he’s just so sweet, following the keepers around
the big flight for a bit of attention!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Being able to work with animals.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Someone who is happy and friendly, and doesn’t
mind getting their hands dirty or going home smelling
of animals!
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Cycling and painting. I’m also doing a National
Diploma in Ecology. I spend a lot of time with friends.
I also love to shop!
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Definitely go to the talks. You’ll be able to
meet and feed the animals.
Jules
Brittan - General Manager
It is a privilege for me to have joined Seaview Wildlife
Encounter as General Manager. My earlier working experience
was in recruitment consultancy and small business management.
However I’ve always had a passion for animals and
wildlife conservation and spent much of my free time,
over many years, in the bush and in game reserves in sub-Saharan
Africa.
Six years ago I made the decision
to return to the UK from South Africa - to follow my
heart and work with animals on a full-time basis. To
facilitate this transition I graduated with a degree
in Animal Management from Sparsholt College in 2006.
Since then I’ve been fortunate to have gained
an interesting spectrum of experience. Having worked
at other zoos and wildlife parks I’m very pleased
to be able to associate myself with Seaview Wildlife
Encounter and am looking forward to being an integral
part of the business going forward.
The
Park operates extremely professionally and sets exceptionally
high standards in both animal husbandry and customer
service - and simultaneously has a personal, caring,
hands-on approach. The team are great too! We’re
already planning a number of exciting new developments
– so keep a check on our blog page for news updates!
Visiting the Park is a special,
memorable day out - you really need to come and see
us to experience the magnificent, open parkland setting
(with vistas over the Solent) and to enjoy the truly
unique interaction with our birds and animals. See you
soon!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHAT DOES YOUR
ROLE INVOLVE?
It’s very varied! Everything from being hands-on
with the animals to strategic planning, marketing and
human resource management.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
PART OF THE PARK AND WHY?
I enjoy all aspects of the Park – each having
its own special qualities.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK
AND WHY?
I love and respect them all!
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
The variety of my involvement.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Having passion for animals and animal care combined
with a positive, hands-on approach – and customer
service skills.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Animals and animal behaviour, wildlife and nature conservation;
dogs and dog training; photography; running and healthy
living.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Allow 3 – 4 hours to explore and enjoy the setting,
the animals, the café and shop – and the
entire experience!
Jake
Cousins - Animal Keeper
I have achieved a National
Certificate in Animal Management at the Isle Of Wight
College and have been working towards a job like this
for a long time and I am so pleased I got given this
opportunity.
I love the Park so much due
to the high standards and the great animals. My favourite
of which is our many Humboldt Penguins and the Mollucan
Cockatoo 'Boris' who is adorable and has a great personality.
I look forward to working
with all the staff and the animals for many years to
come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHAT DOES YOUR
ROLE INVOLVE?
To maintain a high standard of husbandry for all the animals
at Seaview Wildlife, and to give informative and fun talks
on some of our animals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART
OF THE PARK AND WHY?
My favourite part of the Park is “Up Top”
which is our Penguins, Pink Backed Pelicans, and Big
Flight Aviary which is home to our large collection
of Parrots. This is my favourite part of the Park because
all the animals have tons of personality.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL OR BIRD AT THE PARK
AND WHY?
In my opinion the best species at the Park is the Penguin,
but my favourite individuals are in fact our Moluccan
Cockatoo ‘Boris’, and our Blue-fronted Amazon
‘Sammy’. Both of these are my favourites
because they are both such great characters with Boris’s
cheeky chit chat and Sammy’s opera-style singing.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Being able to get so hands on with such a large variety
of different exotic and rare species.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KEEPER?
Being able to commit to such a demanding job purely
for your love of animals.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Going out and about with my girlfriend and friends;
working on my car; doing my voluntary work for the local
RSPCA.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR VISITORS?
Take your time to look at everything, because you will
see something different every time. You never know what
you might see.
