The Big Cat Sanctuary
Kent
Closing date for applications is: 17th Sep 2025
Contact: Lisa Pressland ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Volunteer Contract type: Full-time Salary: Voluntary Position
The Big Cat Sanctuary - Carnivore Internship (6 to 12-month placement available)
The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS), based in Kent, is home to nearly 50 cats and plays a vital role in the breeding and conservation of both big and small cat species. The sanctuary is not routinely open to the public, with access granted only through pre-booked experiences and events.
We are now recruiting for a voluntary internship (6–12 months) within our keeping team. This placement offers the chance to gain hands-on experience working with carnivores, while also supporting our carefully managed guest experiences. Flexibility is essential, as experiences run throughout the week.
Interns will assist the keeping team with daily husbandry and animal care, as well as supporting the delivery of experiences such as Ranger for a Day, Overnight Lodge Tours, and Big Cat Encounters, under the direction of the Curator, Head Keeper, and Deputy Head Keeper.
This is a
voluntary, unpaid internship
and
on-site accommodation is not available
, so ideally you'll already be local to the Sanctuary. Placement hours are 08:00–17:00, five days per week. Please note, the Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport.
Objectives of the Placement
* Gain experience working in an animal keeping department.
* Develop knowledge and training in a variety of carnivore species.
* Build and improve personal and professional skills.
Typical Daily Tasks
* Assisting with daily husbandry (meat prep, enclosure cleaning, enrichment, basic maintenance).
* Recording animal observations.
* Supporting basic training sessions with various species.
* Delivering tours and engaging with visitors.
* Assisting Maintenance & Building and Front of House teams when required.
Essential Requirements
* Aged 18+
* Animal science-related qualification
* Previous animal-related work experience
* Good communication skills
* Physically fit for a demanding role
* Flexible and reliable, with safe working practices
* Able to work independently and as part of a team
* In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process.
Apply For This Job
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to
with "Internship Application" in the subject line. Include whether you are applying for 6 or 12 months and your earliest availability.
Start Date
Ideally ASAP, and no later than 31st October 2025
Closing Date:
Wednesday 17th September 2025 @ 11:59pm