Zoology  Course

2 Week Practical Placement (Optional) at the Merlin Animal Welfare and Development Department in Weymouth OR the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire

Merlin Animal Welfare and Development department in Weymouth

The Merlin Animal Welfare and Development department supports SEA LIFE public aquaria throughout the Merlin estate and is responsible for setting standards, the development of new displays and rolling out new concepts to SEA LIFE sites. The department is located on the same site as Weymouth SEA LIFE Park but is run separately. The Department offers site support for all sites globally, and undertakes research into all aspects of exhibitory. Their main concerns and areas of expertise are animal health and welfare and they advise all sites on these matters. 

This placement gives students the opportunity to work alongside experienced aquarists and marine biologists in the day to day running of the Concept Development Unit where animals are quarantined and their husbandry requirements developed ready for innovative displays. Students attending this placement will gain hands-on experience working with a variety of marine animals.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain highly sought after hands-on experience. This placement includes gaining skills and knowledge in:

• Aquatic animal husbandry
• Species identification
• Veterinary care
• Animal behaviour
• Life support systems
• Water quality

The animals at the Merlin Animal Welfare and Development department will vary but will predominantly include marine fish and invertebrates.

The Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire

Offers the placement working with a wide range of species. Their zoological collection is split into three subsections:

• Freshwater
• Marine
• Herpetological (the section also contains Asian short clawed otters)

The main objectives of this programme are to learn about the working world of a public aquarium and the aquarium industry as a whole. As one of the largest commercial aquariums in the country the zoological department is proactive in conducting their own husbandry work, undertaking the volunteer programme you will benefit from learning about and or having an influence on:

• Exhibit development
• The different biomes Blue Planet Aquarium creates
• The role of SCUBA diving in the aquarium
• Health and safety practices within a zoological/aquarium setting
• The role of a public aquarium in modern day society
• Animal husbandry
• Zoological collection management

Having a placement is NOT a compulsory element of this course and we recognise that some students may not be able to commit to either placement. Accommodation and travel costs are not included.

Please note that students can enrol on this course without the Practical Placement. Students must be at least 18 years old to take part in either placement.