Zoo Tales Q&A: with author & carnivore keeper Colin Northcott

For BIAZA Zoo Tales week, we interviewed Colin Northcott, from Yorkshire Wildlife Park, who pooled together his decades of zookeeping experiences in his book; 'Interview with a Zookeeper.'
 

We are also thrilled to be giving away two copies of the book this week (28.2.23). Enter via social media posts -  [Facebook link], [Instagram link]. 

Could you introduce yourself and your book?

My name is Colin Northcott. I have been in the zoo industry since 1988 and I am the author of the book ‘Interview with a Zoo keeper’. The book is a memoir of the many trials and tribulations that myself and others have been through and includes some life-threatening situations and the funny side of things too. It also demonstrates how far zoos have come in terms of welfare, health, and safety of both the animals and their keepers over the years.

What was your approach to writing Interview with a Zookeeper?

I wasn’t sure how to approach writing a book until I was having a conversation with an ex-colleague one day. He is a social media expert and he said to me that he could help by basically interviewing me while we went for a meal out. I then recorded the interview and it started from there. As he asked me various questions they would spark a memory, which I then talked about in detail. That would spark more memories and eventually we had a long list of anecdotes which I played back to myself and wrote them down. Hence why I called the book ‘Interview with’.

Could you tell us a little more about your current zoo role? Any favourite animals?

Currently I am the Deputy Head of Carnivores for Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I am also the Native Species Officer, and I am an animal husbandry and welfare advisor to Hanoi Zoo and the Vietnamese Association of Zoo Keepers on behalf of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. As for having a favourite animal? Always a difficult one for me to answer. A bit cliché perhaps but I just love working with all animals. To choose a favourite seems a little unfair on the rest. But if I must choose one then I would go for the Thylacine. I know it’s extinct, but it is still a favourite of mine. And there is some potential evidence that maybe, just maybe, they still roam the wilds of Tasmania and Australia. One can hope.

Excuse the classic job interview question, but what are you most proud of in your career?

There have been many highlights during my career. It is difficult to pinpoint a single high above all others, but I guess reviving the lives of animals through cpr that have died in your arms has to be up there. Some of my most memorable and proud achievements are having the opportunity to improve animal welfare in Vietnam and inspiring keepers at Hanoi Zoo. Changing the mindset of keepers rather than forcing change for the animals is key in Vietnam. If the keepers enjoy what they do and see the positive changes in the animals they care for then that further encourages more positive welfare conditions. To be the inspiration behind it is very rewarding.

How did writing and zookeeping integrate for you?

For my book subject it was easy. I just had to write about my personal experiences within the zoo world. Even if it went a bit astray! They are anecdotes of real-life events. All I had to do was go to work and they would just happen. Note worthy events are few and far between nowadays as safety protocols and legislation prevent keepers from being in certain situations now, and rightly so. Many of my stories are from my early days.

What is something you wish more people knew about the zookeeping profession?

It’s not just cute and cuddly, stroking and feeding animals all day. Keepers work extremely hard, in tough conditions and in all sorts of weather, especially in today’s climate. They study hard at university to gain degrees in various subjects to be able to work in wildlife and conservation. Often knowing that the wage is minimal standard pay grade, despite the professional role they will hold. Be prepared to miss out on national holidays, Christmas, Easter etc. The animals need caring for regardless of what day it is. Occasionally working nights or call outs at 3am if your charges become sick. They rely on you to be there for them.

Do you have any particular memories you’d like to share?

After 36 years as a zookeeper, I have so many memories, both good and bad. I have written about both in my book as they all play a part in my development as a keeper. I think one of my most memorable moments has to be the day I got my first job at Windsor Safari Park. In my head, as I had no experience at the time, I believed I would be placed on pets corner, or similar, to gain some experience before progressing. Imagine my surprise when I was taken directly to the Lion and Tiger area and to be told I would be on the carnivore section. Nervous, but very pleased indeed.

Do you have plans to continue writing?

I have already started on book two. Over the years I have collected hundreds of photographs of both the animals I have worked with and the environment surrounding them. I find most people seem to be interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ pictures. What might be an every day mundane scene to a keeper is of great interest to those outside looking in. I thought I might share a ‘window’ into the world of a zookeeper.

I thought I would share a bit of info that might be of interest. I have recently discovered that I am related to Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles who, among other great accolades, was a founder, (in 1885), and first president, (elected in April 1826), of the Zoological Society of London and the London Zoo. He also has several plants and animals named after him. This isn't mentioned in my book as I did not know this when it went to print - but I will be including this in my new book when it is completed. I thought I was the first person in my entire family history to go into the conservation and exotic animal industry. Turns out zoo keeping was in my blood after all.

And finally, do you have advice for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps in writing or zookeeping?

Make notes, keep a journal, take pictures. What might feel like a dull, ordinary day to you is of real interest to someone else. Keepers do a fantastic job, and it is very easy to become complacent. So many people are jealous of what you do. They are genuinely interested, so if you have a great day because your charges gave birth, or it was a horrible day because one of your favourites has passed away. Make a note. In future you might just have enough to write a book. If you want to become a zookeeper, getting into the zoo world is so much harder now. Don’t give up. Keep pushing and one day you will get that break. Study hard on the relevant subjects and, if you can, do some volunteering in animal care or at a local zoo. You can’t beat a bit of hands on experience, and it might help you make the right choice to further your career. Make memories and enjoy it.