Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Student Handbook 2014
Durrell students 2012
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Welcome
Thank you for considering Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for your
student placement host.
This handbook will give you some information about the organisation, what
you can expect from us and also what is expected from you. We aim to
make this a valuable work experience placement, and hope to provide
students with skills that can be carried forward into a career. Our goal is
to give students at Durrell a meaningful placement so that all students
become ambassadors for the continuing essential conservation work
undertaken by Durrell.
We hope you find this handbook useful and if you require further
information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please see our website www.durrell.org/jobs for information on applying
for a placement.
Thank you again for you interest.
Susie Brayshaw
Volunteer Manager
Susan.brayshaw@durrell.org
01534 860045
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Contents
Section 1: Who we are
Page 5 – 16
1.1 A brief history of Durrell
1.2 Currently at Durrell
1.3 Student placements
1.4 Available departments
1.5 What you can expect from us
1.6 What we expect from you
1.7 Facilities and resources
1.8 Living in Jersey
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5&6
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7 - 11
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12
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14 - 16
Section 2: The Volunteer Agreement
18 &19
2.1 Student hours
2.2 Uniform
2.3 Holidays
2.4 Sickness
2.12 Immigration
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18 & 19
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Section 4: Acknowledging your contribution
4.1 Keeping in touch
4.2 Visitor Centre and Dodo Café
4.3 Membership
4.4 Other activities
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Photo: James Morgan
“I spent 6 wonderful months as a student at Durrell working with the bats
and marmosets in 2012. I had wanted to go to Durrell since I was a child as I
had grown up reading Gerald Durrell’s books and he was an idol of mine
from a very young age. I finally got the courage to go for my dream and
when I was accepted for the placement I literally fell sideways in my chair
in happiness and was unable to speak coherently for several minutes. So I
had very high expectations of the place and it definitely did not
disappoint! The staff and other students at Durrell were extremely
welcoming and kind and were incredibly generous with their time. I had
travelled as an international student from Australia and had very little
practical experience in zoos but everyone at Durrell were brilliant in helping
me to adjust and to learn and were always willing to give advice about the
work, study, life on Jersey and anything else. I found everyone to be
genuinely interested in caring for the animals and in sharing their
knowledge and I honestly feel I learnt as much in six months there as I did in
three years of my degree. I had so much fun at Durrell during my time there
with the animals, the staff and the other students and it was one of the
most rewarding experiences of my life.”
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1. Who we are
Photo credit: James Morgan
1.1 A brief history of Durrell
The author and naturalist Gerald Durrell
founded the Jersey Zoo in 1959. It became a
Charitable Trust in 1963 and was renamed
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1999, in
honour of its founder. Gerald Durrell pioneered
the concept that zoos have an essential role to
play in the conservation of wildlife. His vision
was of a safe haven for the world’s most
endangered animals, where the public could
learn about and engage with efforts required to
save them. Gerald Durrell received the OBE for
his work in 1983. He passed away in 1995,
leaving behind a unique, powerful and enduring
legacy in the field of biodiversity conservation.
Gerald Durrell with a young silky anteater
Cyclopes didactylus.
Dr Lee Durrell succeeded her husband as Honorary Director of Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust in 1995, and still maintains an active and important
involvement in the Trust's work, both in Jersey and overseas.
1.2 Currently at Durrell
Currently, the wildlife park in Jersey is home to 120 species of mammals, birds,
reptiles and amphibians, some of which are allowed to roam free and others
thrive in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. Notable among the mammals are
families of Western Lowland gorillas, various
monkeys and lemurs, Sumatran orangutans and
fruit bats. In the Amphibian and Reptile Breeding
Centre live some of the rarest creatures in the
world, such as Komodo dragons and the
mountain chicken.The bird department works
with over 40 species of bird and has, over the
years, worked on the recovery programs of many
species. These include the pink pigeon,
The mountain chicken bred in Jersey
Madagascar teal, Waldrapp ibis, Meller's duck,
and released on the Caribbean island
Mauritius kestrel, Bali starling, Montserrat oriole,
of Montserrat. Photo: Sarah-Louise
Adams Durrell
St. Lucian parrot and Echo parakeet.
The wildlife park welcomes 175,000 visitors annually and the Durrell Training
Academy, established in the early 1980s, now has 3,500 graduates from 135
different countries.
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In the field, conservation projects are
being undertaken all over the world (see
map below), with a focus on two
integrated themes:
• ‘Islands at Risk,’ as many of the most
threatened species are found only in
island ecosystems such as Montserrat
and the Galapagos, and
• ‘Critical Species,’ groups of species
which have a high risk of extinction and
for which Durrell can have the greatest
positive impact, such as the Sumatran
orangutans, pictured right.
Sumatran orangutans. Photo: Jon Stark Durrell
The location of current Durrell field programmes
The Red-billed Chough. Photo: Andrew Kelly
As well as work abroad, Durrell has
undertaken research and/or recovery
programmes in Jersey for red
squirrels, farmland birds, green and
wall lizards, Jersey toads and agile
frogs, orchids and several species of
wildflower. The most recent
programme is the restoration of the
red-billed chough (a type of crow,
pictured left), which became extinct in
Jersey in the early 1900s.
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1.3 Student Placements
At Durrell we run between 10 and 15 student placements at a time at our
headquarters in Jersey. Students are un-paid and stay for a minimum of two
months and a maximum of a year. During their stay they gain practical
experience in the work of the Trust and in the conservation and captive
management of endangered species.
Students are expected to help carry out everyday duties such as cleaning, and
food preparation. They work closely with other students and keepers which
gives them unique insight into animal management and the onsite contributions
to global conservation. Students also work in our non-animal based
departments learning with our marketing, education and landscape teams.
1.3.1 Requirements
 Applicants must be at least 18.
 Applicants should be studying a relevant course/degree. Your University
must sign a placement agreement with Durrell.
 A high degree of fitness is required as the work is physically demanding.
 Any medical problems, allergies, disabilities etc. which may affect the
student’s work must be explained at the application stage.
 Must be able to commit to a minimum of two months.
 Must be self-funding, and able to organize their own accommodation.
 There is strong competition for placements so applications are assessed
on their merits, and successful candidates should confirm their
acceptance of a place as soon as possible.
 A good command of English is essential.
1.4 Available departments
Students are assigned to placements within the park according to their course
requirements and interests. Students spend at least two months on each
department. Please understand that places in each department are limited and
that it may not be possible to meet all requests.
1.4.1 Animal departments
Spending time in the animal departments will enable students to gain first-hand
experience of working with a variety of animal species. The role involves the
following:
o Assisting with routine tasks on section such as food preparation,
enclosure cleaning, animal feeding, behavioural observations, enclosure
maintenance and observing veterinary procedures.
o Opportunities to learn practical captive husbandry skills (nutritional
requirements, environmental requirements, normal behaviour,
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reproductive management etc.)
o Students will also learn about the biology and conservation issues relating
to each species worked with.
With all our animal departments the range of jobs students are allowed to do will
depend on demonstrated skills and reliability, this will be reviewed throughout
the placement.
Students working on these departments will need good communication skills, a
willingness to listen and learn, a keen interest in animal management, and
confidence working around different animal species.
(1) The Mammal Department
The Mammal Department is divided
into three sections: (1) apes
(2) macaques, mongooses, bears
and other South American mammal
species (3) lemurs, bats, and
tamarins. Students are normally
assigned to only one mammal
section during their stay. Students
should also note that it is rarely
possible to work on the ape section.
If you are hoping to work on the
mammal department you must have a rabies vaccination before you arrive.
(2) The Bird Department
The bird department is roughly divided
into two sections: (1) wetlands
consisting of wildfowl, cranes, ibis,
flamingos and parrots (2) soft bills
comprises the passerines, pink
pigeons, pheasants and hornbills. The
department works with over 40
species of bird. Students can expect
to be involved with routine work such
as; feeding, food preparation and
general upkeep of aviaries. There may
be some restrictions on student
access to aviaries, particularly during
the breeding season. Time spent working in the bird department can give a
valuable insight into zoo work and the conservation management of birds in
captivity.
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(3) The Herpetology Department
The Herpetology department holds a
diverse collection of amphibians and
reptiles, as well as several invertebrate
species. The department is actively
involved in a number of conservation
projects focusing on species from
around the world. Students can expect
to be involved with a variety of
activities, including daily husbandry
routines for some of the species in our
collection (please note that there are
restrictions on which species students
can work directly with), general upkeep of enclosures, and other routine work
essential to the day-to-day functioning of the Department.
(4) The Veterinary Department
The Veterinary department is staffed by two veterinarians, a microbiologist and
a veterinary nurse. The department is
responsible for the health of the
animal collection in Jersey and in
captive breeding programmes
abroad. Our Veterinary department
only takes 4th and 5th year students
and graduates for work experience.
Students will shadow the veterinary
staff and will be involved in all
aspects of health care from clinical
and laboratory diagnosis to treatment,
preventive medicine and anaesthetics. Students will be expected to carry out a
short research project of benefit to the Trust, and because this adds and extra
time commitment, preference will be given to students asking for longer
placements.
(5) The Laboratory
Working in Durrell’s diagnostic lab involves participating in all aspects laboratory
diagnosis performed in house for the Wildlife Park, and overseas conservation
programmes. These will include: faecal and urine examination; parasitology;
bacteriology and other ancillary tests; as well as learning how to run and
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maintain a diagnostic lab; health and
safety requirements; and laboratory
work routines. Depending on the skills
and motivation of the candidate, the
work will also involve gross post
mortem examination and exotic
animal haematology.
1.4.2 Non-animal departments
We also offer opportunities in other
departments within the Wildlife Park.
These departments do not have direct
contact with our animal collection, but instead do offer a unique insight into
working for an international conservation charity.
Any student wishing to work in the following departments should have excellent
communication skills, a keen interest in wildlife conservation and be able to
work well both as part of a team and independently.
(1) Education and Interpretation department
Students will work as part of the Visitor Experience/Conservation Education
team, delivering wildlife conservation messages to school groups, members,
and visitors to the wildlife park at Durrell's headquarters in Jersey. Students will
help with the management of the Education department’s collection of reptiles
and insects. Students will also have the opportunity to get involved with
developing signage, and delivering animal talks to the visiting public, as well as
getting involved with curriculum-based sessions for school groups, and informal
workshops for the younger members of the Trust.
They will have the chance to get involved with visitor surveys etc. for a public
participation project to develop new interpretation materials for the site.
(2) The Marketing Department
Students will work as part of the marketing team where they will have the
opportunity to get involved in the following areas:
 PR and marketing campaigns.
 Managing Durrell’s website and assisting with social media tools.
 Be involved in market research and learn how Durrell’s conservation work
can be effectively communicated to appropriate target audiences.
 Help with Durrell’s fundraising events.
(3) The Landscape Department
The landscape department provides an opportunity for students to learn
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Landscape design within the grounds, pruning techniques, lawn care and the
managing of our tropical exhibit. There is also the Organic Farm where students
will be involved with both planting and harvesting of crops for animal
consumption using organic farming methods. Students must prove a keenness
to learn horticulture or organic farming in order to be given a placement within
this diverse department.
1.4.3 Research projects
Students may have the opportunity to
carry out a research project during their
placement. Some students may also
come to Durrell purely to conduct
research.
Please note that any projects carried out
must be approved by Durrell staff. If you
are required by your university to
undertake a research project during your
time here, please inform us before you
arrive. We are able to offer a certain number of projects each year that are
valuable to us, and if you decide to do one of these then you will receive
support and guidance from our research coordinator and Durrell staff. You may
wish to develop your own project; we are happy to consider individual project
proposals but in these cases Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is under no
obligation to mentor projects.
1.5 What you can expect from us
You are important to us so we want to make sure that you enjoy your
placement, and get the most out of it. As part of our commitment to our students
we will:
 Give each students a clear induction introducing the student to Durrell.
 Ensure you have a clear idea of your responsibilities, including the length
of time we’d like you to be with a department.
 Give you information about the training and support available to help you
develop and carry out your role.
 Offer you fair, honest and timely feedback on your work and development.
You will receive at least one scheduled appraisal during your placement.
 Always treat you with respect, consideration and appreciation
The Trust will endeavor to organise an appropriate programme of work
experience for placement students in order to ensure that each student receives
a wide-ranging education in captive animal management and conservation.
Where time allows, Durrell staff will provide guidance and support to students
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undertaking a research project during their placement. The volunteer manager
will also undertake to provide any assessments of students’ work required by
their university or college
1.6 What we expect from you
To ensure you get the most out of your placement we ask that you adhere to
the following:
 Act in a professional way whenever you represent Durrell and to work to
the same standards as permanent staff
 Ask for guidance if you don’t fully understand your role or responsibilities
 Read and adhere to the Student Agreement, outlined in Section 2
 Be aware of, and comply with, all Durrell procedures and policies.
 The Trust requires a copy of any publications, reports, articles,
dissertations, etc., which are competed from your work conducted here.
 In general terms we expect that you will be punctual and fulfil the duties
assigned to you to the best of your ability.
 Courtesy to fellow students volunteers and staff members is also
expected and we expect you to treat others as you would hope to be
treated yourself. Bullying in any form is not tolerated by Durrell – this
includes excluding other students. If an allegation of bullying is made the
same procedures will be followed as we would for permanent staff
members and if deemed necessary, the placement will be terminated.
Galapagos giant tortoise.
Photo: Georgina Sawyer
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I was a student on the bird
department for a year. It is a
fantastic place to work and all
of the people on the Bird
department (as with the whole
of Durrell) are fantastic.
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1.7 Facilities and resources
1.7.1 Reference Material, Library Facilities and Computer Facilities
Durrell’s main library facilities and
computer facilities are at the
International Training Centre, Les
Noyers, next door to the Wildlife Park.
The Sir William Collins Memorial
Library comprises a collection of
scientific periodicals and journals. The
Phillips Reference Library holds a
collection of books, and special
bibliographic files (on species, habitats,
etc). Loans from these collections may
be possible for placement students, by
arrangement with the library supervisor.
There is a computer lab equipped with 20 computers running Windows XP.
They are networked with internet connection, Office 2003 and a range of
specialist software relevant to conservation. Free WiFi is also available. Limited
quantities of photocopying can be undertaken in the Trust’s main office. A
charge may be made for large quantities.
1.7.2 Animal Records System
Since 1990, the Trust has maintained a computerised records system using
ARKS (Animal Record Keeping System) and more recently ZIMS (Zoological
Information Managing System). Up-to-date information is readily available on
individual animals in the collection. Information from before 1990 is on cards,
which can be inspected by arrangement.
1.8 Living in Jersey
1.8.1 Accommodation
There are bed and breakfasts and
guest houses located nearby.
Others are located further away
and some form of transport is
necessary. An accommodation list
is provided on acceptance. There is
heavy demand for places, and so
booking well in advance is
essential.
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Students are responsible for organising their own accommodation. If you are
experiencing difficulties it is sometime possible to provide advice where
necessary. Please be aware that Jersey does not have an open rental market
so non-Jersey residents can only rent ‘non-qualified’ properties. For further
information on this please see the States of Jersey website www.gov.je.
1.8.2 Cost of living
While some costs are lower in Jersey than on the mainland, basics tend to be
slightly more expensive. Rents are quite high, and you can expect to spend at
least £80-£120 a week in rent depending on the size and facilities.
1.8.3 Health and security
Whilst all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure safety and security, the
Trust cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury or illness however caused.
Anyone working in zoo grounds is covered for general accident by the zoo’s
own insurance. Belongings should be insured by the student. A tetanus injection
should be obtained well in advance of arrival. If you are working on the mammal
department a rabies vaccination is also necessary.
If you are from the UK
Jersey has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, which means that you're
treated like a local resident while you're here. If you're visiting Jersey from the
UK, it means that you're entitled to free hospital treatment while you're here.
Emergency care and hospital care is free, but if you need to see a GP (doctor)
then you must pay (doctor visits are not free in Jersey). A link to a list of local
GPs can be found at
http://www.gov.je/Health/Travelling/Pages/VisitingJersey.aspx
Students from other countries
You can find more information at:
http://www.gov.je/Health/Travelling/Pages/OtherCountries.aspx
1.8.4 Visas
Visas may be required for some nationalities and students should check this
before applying. Visa arrangements should be made before the placement is
confirmed.
1.8.5 Travel arrangements and local transport
There are direct flights between Jersey and most regional airports in the United
Kingdom, and from some regional airports on the continent. There are also
regular sea services by ferry and high-speed catamaran from the south coast of
England, to St Malo and Dinard in France, and to the other Channel Islands.
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As Jersey attracts a large number of tourists in the main summer season,
reservations should be made well in advance at this time of year. Taxis are
available from all ports of entry, and a bus service from St Helier, the main
town. Durrell is situated in the north-eastern part of the island, i.e. about 5 miles
(8 km) north of St Helier and the docks, and about 10 miles north-east of the
airport. Bus services to all other parts of the island are linked through St Helier,
although there is a limited evening service.
You may also find useful information on living in Jersey at www.jtinsight.com
and www.jersey.com
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Students helping to build our bat enclosure
Students collecting cans for our “cans for corridors” project at Jersey Live
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2. Student Agreement
All students are asked to read and appreciate the student agreement outlined
below.
2.1 Student hours

Students work a full-time, five-day week (animal departments: 0800-1700
hr in winter and 0800-1730 hr in summer).
 Days off are scheduled by the appropriate Department Head, and these
may not include weekends.
 Students may also occasionally be asked to work with permanent staff
outside normal working hours if
necessary.
2.2 Uniform
As a student at Durrell, you’re an
ambassador for the organisation. You’re
responsible for presenting a positive
image to visitors and the community and
as such are expected to be neat and
tidy at all times. We provide students
with Durrell branded t-shirts and a
jumper on arrival. If additional Durrell
branded items are required, they can be
purchased from the volunteer manager.
Narrow striped mongoose
Photo: James Morgan
For work, you should bring sensible clothing (long trousers for winter, shorts if
desired in the summer) and sturdy footwear (e.g. walking boots).
2.3 Holidays
 A minimum of two weeks advance notice, and preferably more, must be
given of holiday time.
 We suggest that Students take the same amount of holiday as staff, in
order to get the most from their placement, which is 23 days for 12
months plus bank holidays entitlement.
2.4 Sickness
 If you are unfortunately unwell and unable to attend your placement then
please telephone you department before 9 a.m. on the morning you are ill.
If you receive no answer from your department then please telephone the
volunteer manager. Please ensure that Durrell is informed of your
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absence.
 It is your responsibility to keep us informed regarding you absence from
the placement and regular updates are appreciated so we can provide
cover in the department if necessary.
 Students with active cold sores, stomach bugs or other contagious
conditions should not help in the primate departments until recovered.
2.5 Immigration
Students completing placements at Durrell should be studying a relevant
degree. All students at Durrell for longer
than 3 months must provide a copy of
their registration card. This is required by
the population office.
Registration cards should be obtained
from the social security office on arrival.
For more information go to:
http://www.gov.je/Working/
Contributions/RegistrationCards
Social Security Department: La Motte
Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PE, 01534
445505.
Sunda wrinkled hornbill
Photo: Gregory Guida
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I did a six month placement with
Durrell in 2011 on the mammal
section, I loved it and it has
definitely helped me on my
current job at a UK zoo as the sun
bear keeper.
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3. Acknowledging your contribution
To show our appreciation for students we organise the following during the
placement:
3.1 Keeping in touch
As a student with Durrell we want to
keep you in the loop. We provide
monthly volunteer bulletins which are
packed with the latest information and
developments on current projects. We
also organise talks and lectures to
further your understanding of Durrell and
the conservation work we do.
Pied tamarin
Photo: Gregory Guida
These are sent out via email so to help
you keep in touch please make sure to
supply us with an up to date email
address.
We also organise regular coffee
mornings for students and volunteers as
well as an ice breaker to socialise with other students and meet Durrell staff.
3.2 Membership
Students will receive a membership letter for the duration of their placement.
This will allow you free access to the park during your stay.
3.3 Visitor Centre and Dodo Café
Students receive a 30% discount on items purchased at the Visitor Centre and
the Dodo Cafe. Unfortunately this privilege cannot be extended to guests.
3.4 Other Activities
The Trust frequently hosts visiting scientists and conservationists, many of
whom give talks during their stay. Trust staff also give talks on their own work
and organise discussion sessions on topics of interest. Students are
encouraged to attend any of these activities.
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