Zoology student secures rare opportunity to care for penguin chicks

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A student who secured a rare opportunity to care for penguin chicks as they hatched, grew and developed has described the experience as a highlight of his placement year.

Joe Adams, from North Lincolnshire, knew he wanted to work with a range of animals while on placement in industry.

So when he couldn’t find a role which matched his plans advertised among those offered through Harper Adams University, where he is studying BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology, he contacted aquarium and visitor attraction SEALIFE Scarborough – and arranged a placement himself.

Joe said: “I knew I wanted to work somewhere that gave me hands-on experience, so SEALIFE seemed like the perfect option, allowing me to work with both aquatic and terrestrial animals.

“During my placement, I was involved in daily husbandry, including feeding, enclosure maintenance and monitoring animal health, working closely with the aquarist department to develop my practical skills.”

A year in industry forms part of many undergraduate courses at Harper Adams – offering students real-world experience and the chance to shape professional skills which employers will value. For Joe, the year also gave him some unique moments as a zoologist – with insights into the daily lives of the creatures he cared for.

He added: “There were so many aspects I enjoyed, but some of my favourite moments were working with the reptiles.

“I’ve always been interested in herpetology – the study of reptiles - and keep a few myself, but I’d never had the opportunity to work with such fascinating species as those at SEALIFE Scarborough.

“I particularly enjoyed working with the Western Carpet Chameleons, and even based my placement study on them, carrying out a comparative behavioural study.

“Another highlight was working with the penguins, especially during the breeding season when we had chicks hatch.

“Being able to see the chicks grow and develop, and watching the care provided by the parents and keepers was a really memorable experience and something not many people get to witness up close.

“The penguins have so much personality, which made working with them even more enjoyable. Skipper and Rico were favourites of mine, and it was always great to spend time with them!”

Upon returning to Harper Adams to complete his final year, Joe was shocked to discover he had been chosen for one of the University’s Placement Awards for being the top-performing students in his subject.

He added: “I didn't understand ‘why me?’, when I know so many of my peers achieved so much during their placements.

“It was completely unexpected, but also incredibly rewarding.

“Watching everyone’s success made it even more inspiring, and reflecting on my year, from hands on husbandry to learning from the SEALIFE team, gave me a real sense of achievement and excitement for what comes next.”

Looking back at his year in Yorkshire, Joe added: “The team at SEALIFE Scarborough were what really made my placement such a positive experience. They were always happy to answer questions and offer guidance, and the year was filled with laughter.

“They really made me feel as if I was one of them.  I'm especially grateful to the volunteer coordinator, Karl, who made this entire year possible and supported me through it, it would not have been as enjoyable without him!

“I’d absolutely recommend a placement like this to anyone interested in animal care.

“It's a chance to get hands-on with a variety of species, work alongside knowledgeable keepers and really develop practical skills.

“My advice would be to be proactive - if a placement isn't advertised, don't hesitate to contact the team yourself.

“Taking the initiative can lead to incredible experiences you might not otherwise get!”