Shepreth Wildlife Park provides great facilities for the wildlife under its care. The wellbeing of each animal acquired through abandonment, rescue, or as part of a breeding programme to conserve species; is of the utmost priority.

There are opportunities to volunteer as an animal keeper - Recommended hours are 10am-4pm, Placements are either a 3-week block or one-day-a-week for 15 weeks. There is only limited availability on the 'one-day a week' placement.

Duties include: general husbandry of all species on an assigned section (East, West, South, Education Department, or Horticulture). Due to the primate protocol in place, volunteers do not have direct contact with primates. It is recommended you bring waterproof clothing, Wellington boots and steel-toe boots (Please note: trainers / sandals are not allowed when working on the Wildlife Park). All volunteers / students are required to participate in the native species and enrichment surveys. An up-to-date tetanus is required for all work on-site. Volunteers have access to a staff discount.

You can also volunteer in the Education Centre. Education sessions run from 10am-4pm weekdays, though may be extended according to whether they are on-site or outreach.

Volunteering in the Education Centre covers handling animals with pupils of all ages and the general public (training is provided). Sessions are conducted on site and as an outreach service which could involve carrying animal crates and travelling as assistant to the education officer to schools, community groups, etc.

Volunteers can also volunteer in the Hedgehog Hospital as a volunteer hedgehog carer who will be assigned a day (or more, if you wish) per week to come into the hospital to ensure all the hedgehogs are fed and their crates cleaned. You will also complete their daily health record, logging the amount of food they have had and also their weight gain/loss and liaise with the triage team as required.  You will also be responsible for assessing any hedgehogs being admitted on the day and dealing with the initial assessment and treatment regime.

Contact Kerry Bell, Volunteer Coordinator, Cambridge on 01223 460008, pop into Hel 123 or e mail k.bell@angliastudent.com for further information.