Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is employing presenters to make a day out even better.
Educator Katy Barton explained: “This is a first for Paignton Zoo. Presenters already add to the visitor experience at Living Coasts – they provide welcoming, friendly faces, they are a point of contact and a source of information.”
Paignton Zoo’s new presenters are Matthew Hurd from Marldon and Wian Joseph, who lives in Plymouth.
“We think the presenters will make a trip to the Zoo even more enjoyable. They will be able to answer specific questions and provide extra information that isn’t on the signs. They’ll also run activities like crafts, enrichment workshops and games to demonstrate how we train our animals. They will complement the excellent service already provided by our keepers and volunteers.”
The presenters will tell people about everything from the latest animal news to closing times and where to find the toilets. They will work closely with animal staff, co-ordinating their talks with feedings or enrichment sessions.
Katy: “Face-to-face interpretation is so much more flexible than signs. You can correct misconceptions and encourage people to explore for themselves. This not only adds up to more effective education, but it’s more enjoyable for the visitors. We hope they will make life easier for the keepers, too - they are always getting stopped by eager visitors as they go about their duties!”
The pair have been employed through the Future Jobs Fund, a government scheme to get people aged 18 to 24 back to work. The scheme pays their salaries for 6 months while the employer provides them with invaluable work experience and training.
Matthew: “I have always had a keen interest in biology, but I’ve spent the last four years studying for a degree in animation. I never expected to be doing anything like this after I graduated! Animation and presenting are both about engaging people - if I can hold an audience’s attention in one way, then I should be able to do it in the other. I’ve got a slight history of acting – badly - in theatre groups, too, so that should help!
Wian: “I did a degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology and have been looking for a position since, but most jobs require years of experience or special skills that you don’t get from a university degree. I hope to get a better understanding of the role of zoos in conservation and how they help to maintain biological diversity.”
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.
ENDS
Philip Knowling 01803 697568
