On Tuesday I had a missed call....from Longleat Safari Park! I gave them a call back as soon as I could and they explained they had a position on the big cat section and wanted me to come in for an interview! Eeeek! I couldnt believe what I was hearing...finally a step in the door..my chance to follow my dream! We arranged for Thursday and I quickly rushed into town to buy some smart clothes...
As I arrived at Longleat my heart was racing...I was so nervous yet so excited. But my nerves were soon calmed. I met the deputy head keeper...Ian Turner who immediately told me to relax as it was very informal. He gave me a run down of the job. The morning would consist of reserve maintenance/food prep/cleaning etc. Then in the afternoon you would either be on gate duty, ensuring that no animals were near the exit as you opened gates for guests, or patrolling, where you keep watch on the animals in the enclosure.I would be working on the tiger, lion, wolf, and soon to be cheetah sections....eep!
Next I met Bob, an experienced big cat keeper at Longleat. He gave me a tour of the sections, introducing me to all the cats and wolves. As we passed through the tigers one cheeky girl decided she was going to chase us down and we quickly sped away from her in the jeep. This was definitely going to be exciting! They explained that I should hear back about their decision within a week.
Photo by: OdolphieThe next day I had a missed a call from them, they left a message asking me to get back to them...but when I tried to call back they had already gone home...agh! I was tearing my hair out...did i get the job? Not knowing was driving me crazy! I called early Saturday morning and was thrilled when they offered me the job! Yahhhhooooo! I can't believe how lucky I am!
Today was my last day volunteering at Chessington Zoo (I have been volunteering twice a week with them for 3 weeks). It was sad to say goodbye, not only to the staff who were incredible, but also the amazing animals...Impi the goat, Charlie the meerkat, the adorable capybara and the cuddly spider monkeys...but I was going on to better things...a full time job...doing exactly what I always wanted! Yippie!
