About us

Run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is the perfect place to connect with nature.
With thousands of animals from around the world, set in over 100 acres of stunning countryside, we’re keeping Africa alive right here in Suffolk.

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is the perfect place to set your sights on some of Africa’s most iconic animals, whilst learning more about their natural instincts, habitats and conservation.

Volunteering

Are you looking for an amazing opportunity to see behind the scenes and volunteer in a beautiful natural environment, alongside our amazing animals?

If so, we are currently recruiting for Keeper Volunteers and Visitor Volunteers.

We look for volunteers with a willingness to learn and follow instructions to the letter, with excellent communication skills and a good degree of fitness as many of the tasks are physical in nature. You will need to be comfortable in working in extremes of weather and the ability to work calmly and sensitively in animal environments.

All volunteers will need to undertake an induction training session and will receive support from permanent staff members.

You must be 18 years old or over to apply.

To view our current opportunities visit our vacancies page!

Work Experience

Work experience placements with the Animal Management Department

Animal Keeping is a demanding but rewarding career. Work experience placements with the animal management department at Banham Zoological Gardens are available to students who are currently studying at Level 3 National Diploma in an animal related course, A levels or higher and aged 18 years or over.

Students interested in a placement with the Animal Management Department must demonstrate a keen sense of enthusiasm and commitment and be prepared to work hard in all weather conditions. We expect students to attend every day of their placement and complete a full day’s work, cleaning animal enclosures and preparing animal diets under the supervision of a keeper.

Placements can be either block release, Monday to Friday, for a minimum of two weeks or day release, Saturdays or Sundays, for a minimum of ten consecutive days.

To secure a booking, students must have completed and returned student and college forms and paid a non-refundable administration fee of £125.00.

For more information about work experience placements please contact Cheryl Hutchins on 01953 887771 Ext: 244 or email cheryl.hutchins@zsea.organd don't forget to check our posts here on icanbea...

For general job vacancies at Africa Alive visit our vacancies page!