Studying Zoo Biology at University Centre Sparsholt
At the age of 27 I made a decision to change direction and pursue the career of my dreams – zookeeping and working with animals. I started my journey at Sparsholt with my Level 3 in Animal Management and have progressed all the way to university, with hopes to continue onto an MSc next year.
This degree has been fantastic due to the friends and memories I have made and all the opportunities – I’ve secured volunteering positions at Marwell Wildlife, The Living Rainforest and Beale Wildlife Park to gain valuable industry experience and I am now working on my dissertation with Amphibian Ark and presenting my research at different conferences.
The biggest advantage of taking this course here at Sparsholt are the lecturers – the knowledge they possess and the lengths they will go to help you is second to none and I can’t thank them enough.
My course highlights would definitely be the study tours to South Africa, the Netherlands and Germany – as well as the opportunity to work with some amazing animals right here at the AHWRC, where I secured a position as a part‑time keeper.
My time at Sparsholt has helped me discover the area of the industry I am most passionate about which is amphibian biology, ecology and conservation. I plan to go straight into zookeeping but after that I want to specialise in herpetology and amphibian conservation. I now have countless hours of experience through volunteering and have made many important contacts in the industry which, combined with the qualifications I have attained, have given me the best possible chance at succeeding in zookeeping and beyond.
If you are thinking about a career working with animals, from my personal experience Sparsholt is the perfect place to get you there. From the facilities to the lecturers, Sparsholt has helped me realise my ambitions.