How did you find out about this placement opportunity?
I conducted a lot of research online into wildlife sanctuaries around the world. I created several posts on LinkedIn and Facebook, reaching out to family and friends who might have any connections in the wildlife industry. Luckily, I have a lot of family in Brisbane as my dad is from there, so once I knew I wanted to go to Australia, almost everyone I knew in Australia mentioned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I then did some of my own research into the company online, and got in touch with the placement coordinator and submitted an application.
Can you tell us about any help you received from Academic Tutors or the Careers Service when you were applying for placement opportunities?
I had a meeting with one of the placement advisors when I initially was thinking about completing a placement year, and they were very helpful in showing me the advantages of networking through LinkedIn and connecting with Newcastle Uni Alumni. They've been especially helpful since securing my roles, and supporting me whilst I've been abroad.
What are your main responsibilities in your placement role?
In my role as a Wildlife Sanctuary Student at Lone Pine, I complete a range of duties in animal husbandry, food preparation and general sanctuary maintenance, in a variety of wildlife departments. At Lone Pine, there are seven wildlife sections: Koalas, Macropods, Mammals, Birds, Raptors, Reptiles and Barn.
A large part of my day consists of cleaning animal exhibits and making sure they are well maintained. General upkeep of enclosures includes cleaning poo, raking, mulching, replacing sand and other substrates in to exhibits and cleaning glass/windows. In my role, I have the opportunity to redesign animal enclosures, as well as creating enrichment activities for a variety of animals. Another major part of my placement includes preparing food for an array of animals. Whether that be cutting up fruit, vegetables and meat, or collecting browse, including leaves, grasses, flowers from the sanctuary and plantations. I also take part in feed-out procedures, assist wildlife keepers with daily medication and hospital routines, as well as training new volunteers and students during their probationary period (when they first start at the sanctuary).
Additionally, I take part in general sanctuary duties, which includes monitoring visitors in the 5 -acre kangaroo reserve, assisting visitors from all other the world with any enquiries they might have, photo opportunities, and making them feel welcome. From time to time, I am involved in or bear witness to the arrival of new sanctuary animals, and the relocation of animals within the sanctuary. During which, I am privy to the quarantine procedures, and witness the approval processes before animals can be put on display.
Are you enjoying your placement? Can you tell us a bit about some of your highlights to date?
Yes, I'm absolutely loving it! It's been a real privilege to work with such incredible animals and knowledgeable staff who have taken me under their wing, really making my experience at Lone Pine versatile and exciting. Some of my favourite moments to date involve engaging with the native animals at the reserve, and their offspring. One of my highlights includes bottle-feeding 'Nana', one of the abandoned Kangaroo joeys. It was really fascinating to learn about animal handling in macropods, and the importance of hand raising abandoned joeys. In addition to working with 'Nana', witnessing the koala mothers and joeys are particularly fulfilling. It is truly interesting to watch the gestational development of koala joeys within the sanctuary. 'Cedric' is one of the koala joeys whom I've got to know since working at Lone Pine, and it's been astonishing to witness his progression as he's developed.
Another highlight on placement so far would have to be feeding the birds their "meat eaters". Typically, I care for the following bird species during feed out procedures; Kookaburras, Tawny Frogmouth, Gang-gang Cockatoos and Bush Stone Curlew. It is really exciting to engage with the vast array of species up-close and observe their eating behaviours. One of my favourite moments was when I fed 'Sparrow' the Tawny Frogmouth which can only see out of one of his eyes, and therefore requires assistance when eating.
Another highlight of mine would be assisting with the feed out procedures with the bandicoots (nocturnal marsupial native to Australia), and echidnas (also known as spiny anteaters). One of the first times I fed 'Rex', a female echidna almost 30 years old, she snuggled right into my lap as I administrated her feed of grounded insects and termites. She is a particular favourite of mine, as she's one of the oldest animals within the reserve, surpassing the life expectancy of around 16 years old. She was initially brought into the sanctuary as she was hit by a car and suffered injuries to her snout and mouth, making it particularly hard for her to 'suckle' her food and consequently gain weight.
What is the most exciting thing you've done on placement so far?
One of most exciting experiences I've had on placement so far would have to be holding a koala. Koalas are such gentle and calm creatures and to be that close to one was really exciting. I also have had the opportunity to hold Olive Pythons and Black-headed Pythons, tree frogs and a Wedge-Tailed Eagle.
Please can you give us an overview of what a typical day on placement has been like for you?
Each day I'm rostered in a different wildlife department, including Koalas, Macropods, Birds, Mammals, Barn, Reptiles, and Raptors. Typically, my day begins with a quick morning meeting with the head of department. The morning routine for most departments involves cleaning enclosures, administrating medication, and checking on the animal's welfare. As a wildlife student, I play an important role in assisting wildlife keepers to efficiently complete daily tasks and procedures. Wildlife keepers often have to divide their time and skills across many of the organisation’s operations. Therefore, students can give dedicated attention to specific groups, issues or projects. For example, when I’m working in the Bird’s department, I have specific aviaries and species to care and provide treatment for. Typically, during the morning routine, when the head bird keeper is providing treatment for the Southern Cassowary, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and Major Mitchell Cockatoos, I care for the remaining of the bird species.
I have a 20-minute tea break once the morning routine is completed, and then I start with food preparation. Each wildlife section encompasses a variety of animals. For example, when working in the Mammal section I'll prepare food for the Wombats, Bats, Tasmanian Devils, Echidnas and Dingos. Each animal has specific dietary requirements, involving a range of fruit, vegetables, meat, browse and supplements. Food preparation usually takes up the majority of the middle part of the day, leading up to my 30-minute lunch break.
After lunch, I complete general sanctuary duties and complete feed-out procedures. When working with koalas, for example, I assist wildlife keepers in taking down the Eucalyptus branches and putting up fresh branches in each of the koala enclosures. Additionally, in the Macropod department my afternoon consists of filling up troughs with fruit, vegetables and hay for the kangaroos and wallabies, as well as feeding the emus. I also help with feeding the Bandicoots using tunnels, boxes, and scattering snacks in burrows. That usually bring me to the end of the day where I clock out and discuss any points to include in the diary with the keeper in charge.
How has your degree helped you to be successful on placement?
My placement has been a great opportunity to apply the theory and skills I learned while studying first and second year in a professional workplace. My studies into animal behaviour, vertebrate biology, and wildlife ecology, biodiversity, and conservation well prepared me for this position. I already had a zoological understanding of animal welfare requirements, animal diets, observation techniques and captive animal behaviours. I already possessed some knowledge on captive breeding programmes, and behavioural management such as enclosure design, environmental and behavioural enrichment, and feeding regimes. Before starting on placement, I had an idea into how animal sanctuaries and reserve's function, through my studies into wildlife conservation and ecology. My conservation knowledge and scientific skills has set a perfect building block for me to expand my knowledge further in a work setting.
Do you think this placement year will benefit your studies when you return next year?
Yes, my professional experience will have provided me with an in depth understanding of zoological reserves, as well as helping me develop my biological knowledge into particular animal groups. I also think my placements will give me some inspiration for final year projects and dissertations, in addition to equipping me with a better understanding of career aspirations and professional goals in the future. This placement has helped develop my soft skills, such as being able to work in a team and the ability to solve complex problems, which are all valuable assets for both my academic and professional career.
Do you feel that your placement with also equip you for life after University?
Yes, definitely! My placement experience has helped me to improve my employability by equipping me with proficient skills and experience highly sort after in the zoological industry. My placement experience will contribute to the development of my professional competences by connecting my academic knowledge of zoology with a practical insight into wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. Key abilities such as husbandry skills, communication, collaborative work, time management, leadership, networking and commercial awareness will certainly be developed during my placement. In particular, collaboration with a variety of experienced wildlife staff, other students and volunteers, will strengthen my communication and teamwork skills, and improve my productivity and work performance.
Not only will this placement heighten my passion for animals, it'll also allow me to apply my own scientific knowledge and skills in a work setting, expanding my networking opportunities, and clarifying my career aspirations and goals.
What advice would you give to students thinking about doing a placement year?
The most crucial advice is start looking for placement opportunities as soon as you can, especially if you want to go abroad. It is quite a lengthy process that contains researching, applying and networking for opportunities, so definitely get on top of it as soon as you know you would like to complete a placement year.
Also, I'd like to stress the importance of going for what you are passionate about! You'll be completing a placement for a long period of time, whether that be 6 months or 12 months, therefore, it requires a lot of commitment and enthusiasm. So, to enjoy your time on placement, make sure you go for a position you'll be motivated and enthusiastic in.
Don't be reluctant to go for positions abroad. I was advised by several people that successfully securing a placement abroad is difficult and unrealistic as a result of the Covid. However, I persisted in researching and applying to as many organisations I was interested in, and eventually secured a very successful role in Australia and Ireland.
The hard work pays off! Do not be disheartened if it takes a few months to make some progress. I secured my second placement at Seal Rescue Ireland in late June, after many months of applying and searching for different positions.
