My ethical career: Zoo checker
31 Education Degree in Environmental biology from Sunderland University. So, what do you actually do? Co-ordinate and manage the Zoo Check department of the Born Free Foundation, an animal welfare organisation working to prevent captive animal suffering. It involves campaigning, outreach, press work and answering queries. But it’s also visiting zoological collections and other captive animal "attractions" in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, sometimes undercover. How did you get the job? I was working in a volunteer placement as a resident ecologist in the Peruvian Amazon. When I returned a year later, I applied. Although I had a mainly conservation background, including two-years experience overseas in conservation based activities, I managed to secure the position which deals with animal welfare. What does your typical day involve? Anything from visiting zoological collections and carrying out incognito investigations, to analysing data, writing reports or advising politicians on animal welfare legislation. What kind of personality is suited to working in a job like yours? Someone who has no inhibitions in standing up for their beliefs or the goals of the organisation they represent. The huge workload and low salary means you have to be highly motivated, hard working and enthusiastic, but also good humoured and patient. What has been your most memorable experience? In 2001, one of the campaigns I led ended 170 years of London Zoo exhibiting elephants. Another stopped the broadcast of a TV programme called “Man vs. Beast”, which pitched humans against wild animals in a variety of "stunts". We cracked open the champagne! Best things about your job? The huge variety of work, the successes that seem to override all the frustrations, the travel and the networking. And the worst? Salaries are low and there’s a distinct lack of the other benefits you might get in the for profit sector. Also the occasional need to work out of office hours. Top tips for others interested in this work? Vacancies are few in the environmental or wildlife charity sector. Luck definitely plays a part, but by volunteering for your chosen organisation, you will get your foot in the door. Enthusiasm and persistence are important qualities, and don’t give up on your dreams, no matter how many rejections you receive. Born Free Foundation www.bornfree.org.uk
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