How would you like to help contribute to Twycross Zoo's important education and conservation work by becoming a volunteer?
Currently we are looking for:
Pets@Twycross Volunteers
If you are enthusiastic, enjoy meeting people and have an interest in animals you may wish to join our team of friendly volunteers at Pets@Twycross.
Our Pets section includes miniature donkeys, wallabies, alpaca, corn snakes, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and rats. You will assist with cleaning and feeding the animals, handling them in front of the public, speaking about them and interacting with our visitors.
Horticulture Volunteers
If you are interested in horticulture or the native species that we have in our wetlands at Twycross Zoo, you may like to spend some time learning about what we do by assisting our Head Gardener and Horticultural Supervisor.
At Twycross Zoo we have nine acres of wetlands and nineteen ponds. We intend to observe the natural habitat, record, monitor and encourage more native species to the area. This will include birds, insects, plants and small mammals. You may also wish to help with tree and bulb planting, mowing and establishing a children's vegetable garden.
You do not need to be an expert as you will be shown what is required and how we approach each task in a sustainable way.
Education Volunteers
The education department interprets the zoo for both school groups and general visitors. If you have a keen interest in both communication and animals you may enjoy working with us as a volunteer.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with all duties of the education department including: developing resources and displays, assisting with the care of our education animals (domestic species), organising the Twycross Zoo archive, attending outreach sessions, manning the activity centre (in school holidays) and assisting with teaching. Full training will be given for all tasks.
All applications for the education department are conditional on a full CRB check. Twycross Zoo can apply for this on your behalf after successful interview.
We will accept a commitment of a minimum of 16 working days over 2 months OR a regular commitment over a minimum of 6 months.
Register Interest
To register your interest in any of the above areas please complete the on-line application form. We will contact you as soon as possible to invite you to attend an assessment session or individual interview, as appropriate.
Please note:
- Volunteers do not take the place of paid staff, but contribute in a variety of ways to support the Zoo's education and conservation mission.
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age, but there is no upper limit.
- Hours will be arranged by mutual consent, but we will be looking for people who can make a minimum commitment of regular attendance over a 6 month period.
- Following an informal interview, volunteers undertake a probationary period during which they complete an induction to their chosen role.
- Training is provided where relevant and while attendance at training sessions is compulsory, this is not onerous. Once trained, you will receive a polo shirt/sweatshirt and badge to wear when you are on duty. You will be entitled to concessions in the Zoo's cafés and shops.
- We cannot pay travel expenses - please apply only if you live within easy travelling distance of the Zoo.