Vicky Cook and her journey at Blackpool Zoo
My journey at Blackpool Zoo started in 2014
I applied for a 6 week research placement within the education department. During this time I completed my dissertation research observing orangutan behavior and enclosure interaction. I was lucky enough to also collect data for an ongoing research project with the tigers as well as working with the team for education session and outreach programs. After my placement, I was given the opportunity as a seasonal position on education for the remainder of the summer before I returned to university.
In 2017, I began an MSc studying Animal Behaviour
In 2017, I began an MSc studying Animal Behaviour and for my research project I decided to return to Blackpool Zoo to complete data collection at the brand new elephant facility ‘Project Elephant’. My research looked at the nocturnal behaviours of the elephants as well as examining their relationships. Working closely with the education and research team, and talking with keepers, I was able to gather CCTV footage and live observations of the individuals assisting me with my study.
In 2019, a job was advertised for a ‘Seasonal Education Officer’ within the Wildlife learning team at the zoo.
I was excited for the opportunity to return to the zoo as it had such a huge influence in steering my career and academic study. I was offered a position and started working at the zoo in March. I was given countless opportunities to widen my skills and knowledge, I presented public talks about a range of animals, completed animal experiences and taught lessons to schools about the natural world.
In July, I was lucky enough to work as a Duke of Edinburgh instructor.
I was teaching a group, just like yourselves about our fantastic range of animals at the zoo. With my background, I taught and lead a tour of project elephant and observed with the students an elephant training session discussing how important this was for health checks and managing such large and intelligent animals.
After summer
I was taken on as an animal keeper at the zoo working on the primate section. Although I had some previous experience with the orangutans, this gave me a brand new perspective and the opportunity to learn about new species and the best way to care for their welfare.
Finally, I was told a job had been advertised as part of the elephant team at the zoo. I applied and was delighted to find out I had been offered a trainee-ship within the elephant team.
This will give me another qualification, DMZAA which is recognised across the world as a diploma in zoo keeping and caring for animals. Furthermore, it gives me the chance to work with a species I had worked so hard to learn about.
What advice would you give to people looking to work in zoos or with animals?
My advice to anyone looking to work in the industry would be to never let an opportunity to pass you by. My road to an elephant keeper was not a straight path; I took many different roles relating to the zoo before I landed this role however each role taught me new skills and gave me a completely new insight into how a zoo works.
Duke of Edinburgh is a great example of this, while you’re at Blackpool talk to as many keepers, education staff and visitors/members as you can. This opportunity will give you a fantastic insight into the zoo industry and although it can be a competitive field to get into, networking and having contacts already in the industry is a great starting point.
What does the future hold?
My traineeship will be for the next 2 years and in that time I hope to continue to learn as much as I can about the elephants and what it take to be an elephant keeper. At the same time, I hope to carry on with research and studying animal behaviour within zoos so the next generation of zoo keepers can learn and we can constantly improve the welfare of animals across the world.
The Sam Sykes and Blackpool Zoo Residential
Get up close and personal with exotic species
A unique hands-on 5 day and 5 night residential, which is scientific, varied, interactive and fun!
Designed for 16 – 25-year-olds by industry leading experts.
The course gives practical experience towards Vet Med applications.
