Talk on the wild side: NTU Zoo Biology alum Becky Hall discusses big cats, conservation, and TV fame

Becky Hall is indeed a real-life Senior Animal Keeper – at Knowsley Safari Park. The BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology alum was recently featured in Channel Four’s Secret Life of the Safari Park. The TV network describes the series as a deep dive into the lives of extraordinary animals and those who care for them.

We couldn’t resist getting in touch with Becky to find out what went on behind the scenes – and to celebrate how much she’s achieved since graduating from NTU.

“I have very fond memories of my time with you,” she says. “Both during my studies and socially with friends. I studied at Brackenhurst – which is a wonderful campus, with its stunning rural aesthetic and animal unit. I chose your BSc Hons in Zoo Biology, as I felt it was the best course to gain the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge to progress into a career as a zookeeper.”

As a senior keeper at Knowsley, Becky is responsible for ensuring the operation, and safe working environments for staff – and of course the welfare of every animal within her care.

It’s normally around now that we ask our alumni to describe their typical day at work. We’re hoping this one will be a little different.

“I arrive on-site around 7.45 am, put on the all-weather gear,” Becky says.

“It’s then a case of checking the vehicles required for whichever section I’m assigned to – so either baboons, lions or wolves. Or the foot safari, amur tigers, Andean bears, meerkats, bush dogs, tropical fish, or leopard tortoises and live feed invertebrates.”

Becky is quickly becoming a familiar face to viewers of Channel 4. We’re keen to know how that came about.

“The TV production company’s producer interviewed me to make sure I was comfortable with the whole process, and it went from there,” she says. “The crew were with us for over a year and it was a bit strange at first doing my normal job. But it soon became second nature. I have since started to get recognised. One family recently started waving at me whilst I was manning the lion gates, and they asked for my autograph.”

After graduating from NTU, Becky completed an internship with the carnivore teams at Chester Zoo before becoming a full-time keeper at West Midland Safari Park.

Just what does it take to succeed as an animal keeper?

“You need to be motivated, have a huge passion for wildlife, and be both mentally and physically fit. It's not just a job after all, it's a huge part of your life. I can honestly say that no nine-to-five job keeps you up at night worrying and thinking about the animals like they're your own kids.”

“Animal collections are incredibly important, not just as tools for species conservation, but also for educational purposes. Zoos and safari parks have millions of visitors per year, providing a huge opportunity to highlight the importance of conserving the natural world. They also offer many research opportunities.

“Many people love animals, having owned pets of their own, and are amazed to see such exotic and charismatic animals up close.”

You could describe Becky’s career path since graduating from NTU as exotic. It’s one she’d recommend to others.

“I’d definitely encourage the study of Zoo Biology, as it’s focused on the theories surrounding zoos and their conservation efforts. If your mission is to secure a career in zookeeping, I feel this is the perfect starting point.”

Read more about Becky's  involvement in the TV series on the Knowsley Safari Park website