Latest news with #ZIMS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Kent pub doubling as a zoo that's looking for a new animal keeper
A Kent zoo which shares it home with a pub is looking for a passionate new animal keeper to join its team and care for its many rescued animals. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project on Fenn Street in Rochester is offering a full-time position for someone with at least two years' experience in a recognised zoo environment. The keeper will support the day-to-day running of the zoo, which is home to a wide range of creatures, including monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, otters and flamingos. Founded in 2014, the project began when owner Andrew Cowell took in two pigs in need of a new home. He told the News Shopper: 'I saw them online, and taking them in just sort of became a habit. 'Soon, we found ourselves with all sorts of animals. 'We used to have people come to our front door and ask, 'are you the man with the monkeys in the back garden?' I'd say, 'yeah, come have a look.'' Eventually, after a moment of reflection prompted by his wife, he began thinking about creating a proper space for rescued animals. The opportunity came when he noticed a disused pub nearby. (Image: Fenn Bell Inn) Andrew explained: 'I told Shepherd Neame I wanted to rent the pub to build a zoo, and I think they thought I was mad, but they went with it.' Andrew officially took over The Fenn Bell pub in 2014. Since then, the zoo has grown steadily and now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors a year. The project focuses solely on rescue and conservation. FIND OUT MORE: Andrew explained: 'None of the animals here have been bought. They've all been saved from difficult situations, whether from other zoos or private owners who could no longer care for them.' The new animal keeper role comes with a salary of £25,600 per year and includes responsibilities such as preparing diets, maintaining enclosures, monitoring animal behaviour, and contributing to enrichment and training. The role also involves supervising volunteers and students on work placements, some of whom come from special needs schools. Andrew previously said: 'We have more than 300 kids come through each year on work experience and we are also passionate about supporting special needs schools, where students come to help out around the zoo. It's a really fulfilling part of what we do.' The zoo is funded in part through the pub, which operates on the same site and remains open to customers whether or not they are visiting the animals. 'The income we make from food and drink goes directly into supporting the animals,' Andrew explained. Applicants must have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Experience with ZIMS (Zoo Information Management System) and an animal management qualification would be an advantage but are not essential. To apply, candidates are asked to send a current CV and cover letter to Connor Gordon, Head Keeper, at cg@
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Rare leopard cubs born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Two Amur leopard cubs have been born at a Yorkshire cubs are only the second and third of their species to be born in the world this year, according to staff at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Kristen, 13, gave birth last week and park staff said the cubs would be kept inside for the first two months of their director Dr Charlotte MacDonald said the cubs were significant "symbols of hope for the species". In June 2023, Kristen and father 14-year-old Drake welcomed Auckley only six months after being introduced to each other as part of a strategic international breeding programme to help save the species."Kristen is proving again to be a great mum," Dr MacDonald said."So far, everything is going well with them, and we're keeping them under constant supervision to see that all's OK."She said the cubs weighed 4.4 lbs (2kg) to 6.6 lbs (3kg) when born and would spend their first two months inside the house at the park's leopard Heights, as the enclosure is known, has a main reserve with viewing for visitors and two nursery reserves which are used as quiet areas for the leopards. Dr MacDonald said: "We're looking forward to having leopard cubs around again and very excited to introduce the cubs to our visitors, who will be able see the cubs in their den on live camera via a screen."Kristen, who was born in the Czech Republic, arrived at the park in has previously had three litters, the first 11 years ago, the second in 2016 and most recently Auckley, who was the only surviving cub born in Europe during 2023. There were only six other Amur leopard births in the world in the past 12 months, according to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).Dr MacDonald said: "It's extremely exciting to see our efforts of helping save these beautiful creatures come to fruition."The species is normally found in the forests of Russia and China and there are now believed to be fewer than 100 in the leopards can run at speeds of up to 37mph (59 km/h) and leap more than 19ft (5.7 m) horizontally. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
