Michael
Hepher

After graduating from our BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology degree, Michael went on to work in zoo keeper roles at a range of zoo collections including Chessington World of Adventures and Chester Zoo. He is now working as an experienced hoofstock keeper at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden.

Here's what he had to say about his time at NTU, getting into the zoo sector, and what his current job entails:

What is your current job role and what does it entail?

"I am currently working as an experienced keeper at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden. My role is in the husbandry and training of animals on the hoofstock section of the zoo. This is a range of species including giraffe, moose, zebra, bison, ostrich, deer and antelope species. A typical day will include mucking out of the stables, using a tractor to feed and clean animals in larger paddocks, training sessions with different species, food preparation and veterinary care if necessary."

How did your time at NTU help you get where you are now?

"NTU gave me a perfect grounding to get into the zookeeping industry. Having a degree in zoo biology allowed me to stand out from other candidates and I was able to use it as a basis for much of the animal husbandry I have come across in the industry. My dissertation on giraffe has been extremely useful, and each zoo collection I have worked at have been eager to share it with the hoofstock keepers."

What would be your advice to future students looking to get into the zoo sector?

"My top tip for cracking the zoo industry is to volunteer in collections. I began in a zoo after university by completing two months work experience, leading to a job offer. Any amount of time you can give up doesn't go unnoticed. It also puts you in a good position to apply for jobs that may come up."