Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. I would like a career in conservation. Where do I start?

A.

Although conservation work is rarely well paid and even less frequently glamorous, the attraction of working with animals is still highly competitive and most employment opportunities are based on your practical experience. The best way to get this experience is through volunteering. It is worth contacting local nature organisations, zoos and rescue centres as they are often looking for an extra pair of hands, this experience will give you a good idea of what it is like to work with animals while also giving you valuable content for your C.V.

Q. What qualifications will I need?

A.

This does depend on what job you would like to do. Most jobs in conservation now require a degree, often in biological sciences. To give you an idea of what qualifications are useful in order to work in conservation the following is an outline of some of the roles here at Durrell.

Keeper Scientist: The animal keepers at our Jersey headquarters are known as keeper scientists as they do more than simply keep the animals. Monitoring animal health, designing enclosures, monitoring data and writing reports are all part of a keepers job.

Veterinarian: As with most careers in conservation there are several routes you can take to become a wildlife veterinarian. Again the most important factor is experience. All vets start by completing a veterinary science degree and usually end up furthering their knowledge by working in a regular veterinary practice. In order to specialise in exotic wildlife medicine there are further education courses you can take.

Q. I'd like to organise something special for my partner, can you tell me whether Durrell offers an opportunity to get close and have contact with the animals?

A.

Durrell can offer a variety of Behind the Scenes Tours which can be tailor-made to your requirements, contact justine.rogers@durrell.org  alternatively Durrell can offer you the chance to work as Keeper for a Day, contact jenna.pick@durrell.org for further information. Prices for both of these packages can be obtained from Justine and Jenna.

Q. What are your opening days, times, and admissions prices?

A.

Durrell’s Jersey headquarters are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Summer Season: 09:30 to 18:00 - Winter Season: 09:30 to 17:00 - Adult: £11.50, OAP: £8.50, Child (4-16 years): £7.40, Student 17-22 years: £8.50, Family (2 adults + 2 children): £35.00, Child under 4 years: FREE, further details HERE 

Q. We saw an item in the gift shop when we visited but it is not for sale in your online shop. Can we still order it?

A.

Some items may not be suitable or cost effective to send by mail order but we’re happy to discuss unique sales over the phone, by calling +44 (0)1534 860021.

Q. I live in the UK can I volunteer at Durrell?

A.

Unfortunately due to housing regulations we can only offer volunteer positions to Jersey residents.

Q. Can I volunteer while I am on holiday in Jersey?

A.

Many of the volunteer positions need weeks of training and therefore it is not feasible to offer short term placements. However, we do offer many different experiences at Durrell, such as “Keeper for a day”, “General guided tours” and “Behind the Scenes Tours”. Click here for further information.

Q. I am a student studying conservation and would love to volunteer during my summer holidays. Is that possible?

A.

We can’t take you on as a volunteer for the reasons given above but we do organise student placement schemes and various courses in conservation management.

Q. How old do I have to be to volunteer at Durrell?

A.

Volunteers need to be 16 and over but if you are younger why not check out our dodo club where we have lots of fun activities for different age groups.

Q. Does Durrell provide funding for research on endangered species?

A.

In general Durrell is unable to provide funding for research outside of our existing conservation programmes. However, we do work with local partners and external collaborators in our conservation programme areas to develop funding proposals for new research projects. If you have a project concept that you think may be of interest to us then please contact: richard.young@durrell.org.

 

 

Q. What is Gift Aid?

A.

If you pay income or capital gains tax in the UK, we can claim from the Inland Revenue almost an additional third of the value of your gift (money you have paid in tax) under the Gift Aid scheme. All you have to do is tick the box below.

*Please note that for donations to be eligible for Gift Aid, you must pay income tax or capital gains tax in the UK at least equal to the tax that will be reclaimed on your donations in a tax year.