Work Experience
Introduction to Zoo Keeping participants will assist with a range of activities associated with the care of animals at Australia Zoo. Activities may include, but not be limited to, assisting with habitat cleans (raking, sweeping, weeding, scrubbing), animal observations and the preparation of diets and enrichment items. This program also incorporates educational workshops and presentations on relevant industry topics, as well as daily debrief/review sessions.
The departments that high school participants may assist with include Birds and Australasian Mammals.
It is important to note that, due to a range of operational, legislative and animal welfare considerations, participants should not have any expectation of direct animal interaction.
Please refer to placement and application dates below. Applicants will be required to participate in an interview and selection process. Placement on all programs is at the discretion of Australia Zoo.
Please note that no placements within the program can be guaranteed until after the interview process has been completed and no associated travel, accommodation or school commitments should be made until a confirmation of placement is made by Australia Zoo.
The placement dates available for 2022 are:
| Placement dates | Applications open | Applications close |
| 15th March – 18th March 2022 | 10th January 2022 | 10th February 2022 |
| 7th June – 10th June 2022 | 11th February 2022 | 4th March 2022 |
| 13th September – 16th September 2022 | 23rd April 2022 | 23rd May 2022 |
| 15th November – 18th November 2022 | 24th May 2022 | 23rd August 2022 |
Programs run from 9am-3pm each day
Ready to apply?
The high school program application form can be downloaded here.
All applicants are required to submit this digitally to the email address provided, along with a current picture and resume – including references. Once your application has been reviewed we will let you know if you have progressed to the next stage, which will include a face to face interview.
Please ensure you include all requested support information and documentation with your volunteer application. This includes a current resume/CV and photo image. Applications cannot be processed unless all information is provided.
Further information
The following information packs are available to download:
- Participant, parent and guardian information – download here
- Additional information for school coordinators – download here
We look forward to receiving your application. Please contact us if you have any further questions.