Meerkat work

HGLTsuperstar

This is a weird one I know, and I dont know if it should be here or one the jobseeking board so please move if need to.
This is crazy but, owing to some life events etc, I have decided its time to put myself first and follow my heart rather than my head.
I am fascinated by, and have been studying, meerkats and now decided I want to do something working with/for them - posting here as think its more of a voluntter rather than a paid role.
But I don't know where to start - yes I have biomedical science degree (1st class honours) and have undertaken loads of animal related work experience as initially applied to vet school (but it was oversubscrbed - long story), and I also have a journalistic training qualification so would also be able to work for a charity press officer/PR etc. I have no ties and am happy to work anywhere, UK or abroad (can speak Spanish and a bit of French and am a quick learner).
I know I'm rambling but I've been so unhappy for so long and if I don't enquire into this my rut will get stickier.

Thanks for listening and for the inevitable wise cracks that are to follow.

Savvy_Sue

I know there's at least one zoo which has (used to have?) a colony of meerkats in the UK: is it worth contacting them for starters?

I am avoiding looking for meerkat as a key word on the Charity Commission or Guidestar websites, in case I find it!

jamtart6

ooh...have you tried comparethemeerkat.com?:o sorry

I love meerkats they are the cutest! Meerkat manor was brilliant when it was on! Just wanted to say good luck to you and well done for pursuing something you want to do

HGLTsuperstar

Sue - I know of one zoo but don't know if its OK to name names here - so can you PM me with the name of the one you're referring to so I can see if its the one I know about or not.
Thanks

lynzpower

good for you for following your dream!!

Hope you find what you are looking for xx

tessie_bear

drayton manor in staffordshire have meer kat manor if u could arrange work experience u could get up close and personal with a whole enclosure of the funny creatures

Savvy_Sue

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

Sue - I know of one zoo but don't know if its OK to name names here - so can you PM me with the name of the one you're referring to so I can see if its the one I know about or not.
Thanks

If I knew it, I'd have named it. I just remember, years ago, when the boys were little, seeing meerkats with them. It might have been near Hastings, but I honestly can't remember. They were very cute.

Lunar_Eclipse

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

Sue - I know of one zoo but don't know if its OK to name names here - so can you PM me with the name of the one you're referring to so I can see if its the one I know about or not.
Thanks

Marwell Zoo have, or used to have Meerkats. They have a website.

ClareEmily

I wanted to do something similar however you will find that this kind of role (paid or volunteer work) will attract a hell of a lot of people.

However you obviously have had experience with animals and have some useful qualifications so don't be discouraged.

My hubby had a meerkat experience at the Paradise Park Zoo
http://www.pwpark.com/ it be be worth contacting them.

Here is a list of jobs in Zoos in the UK and abroad:
http://www.animal-job.co.uk/zoo-jobs.html

Good luck x