Vet nurse students at the zoo

Twycross Zoo has partnered with Nottingham Trent University to launch a new collaboration, the dedicated Veterinary Services team at Twycross Zoo will be sharing their knowledge and expertise with the University’s vet nurse students.

Twycross Zoo provides three-week long placements to vet nurse students allowing them to gain important practical experience. Selected candidates can expect to cover assisting in animal procedures, dispensing medications, processing samples, administration, record keeping and monitoring animals on long term medications.

Final year vet nurse student Katie Ginn completed the programme earlier this year. Reflecting on her experience, Katie said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Vet Nurse Placement Programme at Twycross Zoo. The team were extremely welcoming, patient and helpful. I’ve come away with all my questions answered about the role of a Veterinary Nurse in a zoo.

“Not only have I developed my skills and knowledge of veterinary nursing but I’ve also learned more about the essential role of zoos in global conservation efforts. I would highly recommend this placement programme to all vet nurse students, as it has been one of the most rewarding opportunities in my career and has provided me with an invaluable experience that will help me determine my future career path.”

Veterinary Services Manager at Twycross Zoo, Dr Matyas Liptovszky, said: “With more than a decade-long involvement in veterinary teaching, Twycross Zoo has become one of the most significant teaching zoos in this field across the UK and Europe.

“Here, students will get exposed to working with a vast range of animals of all sizes. Students can look forward to a varied workload whilst learning exactly what is involved in the day-to-day running of the department. Twycross Zoo is home to 500 animals from over 125 different species; dealing with this kind of variety means that although there are routine clinical procedures, work can also be unpredictable – which helps keep the job interesting!”

Twycross Zoo is looking forward to welcoming the students later this year, and is hoping to host up to 12 placements next year.