Zoo Keeper Academy

Zoo Keeper Academy

A unique opportunity for young people (aged 15 to 18 years) to go behind the scenes at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.

The week will involve a series of classroom-based sessions covering animal management topics and practical sessions in the Park that will provide some underpinning knowledge for their future careers in veterinary, zoos or other areas of the animal care industry.

Your Academy Week…

The Keeper Academy will run for 5 days Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm and will include a range of theoretical and practical sessions. Each morning will start by mucking out and feeding some of the animals, before learning about some of the different aspects of caring for exotic wild animals. Each day will have a particular theme or topic – Animal Health, Animals Training and Behaviour, Feeding and Nutrition, Enclosure Design, Conservation and the work of zoos.

The cost per participant is: £380.00 which includes a polo shirt, water bottle, workbook and certificate as a souvenir of their fantastic week. There is an option to purchase an Academy Hoodie for an additional £20.

For 2025 the Keeper Academy will be held on 4 August to 8 August

Participants will need to be dropped off and picked up each day, as there is no accommodation available for the Academy. You will need to provide suitable clothing and sturdy footwear; we will provide any other protective clothing they need to use during the day. You will also need to bring a packed lunch every day.



Any other questions?

If you have a question which is not covered in the list above, please email helen@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk and we will respond as soon as we can. Please call 01993 825707 if you have any urgent queries.


Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens