GO Wales Case Studies

Jo Dulat an Environmental Sciences student at Bangor University is currently on work placement with the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay as an Education Assistant.

Why did you apply for this work placement?

“From a young age I knew that I wanted to work in environment, and have been keen to try all sectors of the industry. This has lead me to gain experience in many fields including working with the East Sussex park rangers on habitat restoration and volunteering at Treborth botanic garden, but it was only when I took the education assistant position at the Welsh Mountain Zoo through the GO Wales scheme that I knew what I wanted my future career to be.”

What activity days have you planned and run so far? Have you enjoyed this aspect of the placement?

“Primarily my job is to aid the education officer in the creation of education materials to be used on the Young Zoologist Days scheme. These are 8 themed activity days that give groups of children aged between 8 and 12 an insight into the way animals are classified into groups and the way that they interact with each other and their environment.”

“I have also been in charge of the preparation of craft activities for each of the themed days and have greatly enjoyed reliving my childhood in doing so.”

What skills/qualities have you developed as a result of the placement so far?

“Whilst working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo I have developed many skills especially in people and classroom management as well as the use of animals as an education media.”

“I feel that my experiences working for the Welsh Mountain Zoo have helped me greatly in my professional development.”

Tell us more about the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s conservation campaign? What is your involvement?

“The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and is involved in raising money and awareness for this years ‘carnivore campaign’ for the protection of many species of European carnivores. I have been involved through raising money and awareness on the carnivore campaign stand that is set up when the education centre is open to the public.”

Has the placement influenced your future career plans in any way?

“The placement has confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew that I wanted to go into the area of environmental education and now I am sure that their can be no more an exciting place to educate than a zoo.”

Have you had a chance to work with the animals at the zoo?

“The education centre has its own residential fluffy animals from rabbits and chinchillas to more unusual critters such as the prehistoric looking Axolotls and the scary but harmless chilli rose tarantula. My personal favourite however must be Frodo the ferret whose love of long walks on his lead and mischievous curiosity delight staff and visitors alike.”