Autism Acceptance Blog: Ewan’s Journey at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Next in our series of World Autism Acceptance Blogs, Ewan shares his story:

In 2021, I visited Watatunga for a tour, and I was immediately captivated by the reserve. When it came time to find a work experience placement for my Level 3 BTEC in Animal Management at CoWA Cambridge Campus, I mentioned Watatunga to my college. At first, it wasn’t on the work placement list, so it took time for them to assess the site for health and safety before approving my placement. When I finally secured my spot, I was beyond excited to get started.

I am autistic and have ADHD, which means I experience the world differently from neurotypical people. My work placement was during January and February, when the reserve was closed to the public. I worked on Sundays, which meant there were no guests around, allowing me to focus on hands-on tasks. Most of the time, I was out on the reserve feeding the animals and helping with maintenance work.

After my placement ended, I was eager to continue, so I started volunteering in April last year. This role was very different from my placement experience. My placement had been more focused on animal care, whereas volunteering involved more interaction with visitors. At first, I found it challenging to adjust to this change. I lacked confidence in speaking to guests and getting used to a new system. Initially, I helped from the back buggy, refilled bird feeders, planted trees, and even helped with clipping wings. Over time, my confidence grew, and I became more comfortable talking to both visitors and new staff members.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the tours was that I could incorporate my passion for photography. However, as the season got busier, I realised I wanted to shift back to a more hands-on role with the animals. This led me to start my apprenticeship at the end of 2024. With this role came more responsibilities, which was daunting at first. The first few weeks were hectic, and I found it quite stressful. However, my experience as a volunteer had already given me a strong foundation in understanding the animals, so once I received full training in feeding and care, I started to enjoy it more.

One of the most memorable moments of my journey so far was getting absolutely drenched in the rain while feeding the animals, it took two days for my helmet to dry! My favourite experiences have been learning more about the animals and understanding how Watatunga differs from traditional zoos. I’ve learned how to move animals without spooking them and how to read their body language to ensure they remain calm and comfortable. For example, the Barasingha are particularly skittish, so we have to work at their pace rather than rushing them. A key lesson I’ve learned is that working with animals requires adaptability, our day is dictated by their needs. One moment, everything can be peaceful as they eat, and the next, something unexpected happens. This unpredictability used to unsettle me, but I’ve learned to adjust.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have such a supportive team around me. From the beginning, the staff at Watatunga have made me feel included and I haven’t felt out of place since. On my first day, Miranda came over and chatted with me, making me feel like part of the team from the start. I often overthink things and doubt whether I’m doing a good job, but working with the people at Watatunga has helped me gain more confidence in myself. Molly, in particular, has pushed me outside my comfort zone in a way that has helped me grow. I tend to avoid change, but she’s reassured me that I can handle new situations.

As someone with an invisible disability, I believe workplaces need to be more open to discussions about support needs. It’s difficult to accommodate people if they don’t know what adjustments are required. For me, working in a low-pressure environment is essential. Autism awareness isn’t just about recognizing autism, it’s about understanding the different ways it can present, from non-verbal communication to sensory overstimulation. I also think more tourist attractions should consider accessibility for autistic visitors, especially for older children and adults. While autism-friendly groups are fantastic, there should also be regular attractions that offer adjustments, such as quieter time slots or sensory-friendly experiences.

Looking ahead, I haven’t made any plans for the future, I prefer to take things as they come. My apprenticeship will last another two and a half years, and I’m happy with where I am. I don’t feel the need to change things, and I’ll see what opportunities come after that.

- Ewan, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions