I spent two terms at Urban Doggo, a doggy daycare where clients drop off their dogs for the day and pick them up later. During my time there, I developed several skills, including handling dogs of various sizes and understanding their behavior. My responsibilities included supervising the dogs during playtime and cleaning up after them. Additionally, on some days, we provided enrichment activities for the dogs—puzzles that they could solve to earn treats. I learned to create various types of enrichment for them, enhancing their experience at the daycare. 

I spent four terms at Landcare, working one day a week. Our team visited various locations in Newcastle, such as Merewether and Bar Beach. During our time there, we undertook a range of tasks including weeding, planting, and rubbish collecting. We collaborated with other members of the public, with our main focus being the rehabilitation of the bushland around the beaches.

Through this experience, I gained extensive knowledge about different native plants and animals. I learned about various species of wattle that we were planting and the types of animals that rely on them for food. Additionally, I acquired skills in propagating certain plant species and ensuring their proper planting to enhance their chances of survival.

I spent a week at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, where I learned how to care for sea creatures such as sharks and stingrays. My responsibilities included food preparation, cleaning both inside and outside their enclosures, and assisting the public. Most days, I had the opportunity to sit with the sharks and rays, help with encounters (where customers pay for one-on-one meetings with the animals), and take photos for them. I also learned the tricks they were teaching the animals and delved into the history of Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. 

I attended TAFE one day a week for six weeks. During this time, we covered various topics about different animals, learning about the specific care each species requires, such as cats and birds. We also had hands-on experience handling different animals like guinea pigs and dogs.

One week, staff from the Australian Reptile Park visited us and brought along various species of reptiles and spiders. They discussed caring for reptiles and the dangers associated with handling snakes and spiders. We all had the opportunity to handle some of the animals they brought with them.

I spent a week at Taronga Zoo Sydney, working in the education department where they house animals for schools and events. During my time there, I learned a variety of skills including animal handling, cleaning enclosures and kitchens, food preparation, conducting health checks, and providing enrichment for the animals. I worked with a diverse range of animals, from lizards and snakes to kangaroos and monkeys.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to work in the barn, where all the farm animals are kept. There, I learned how to maintain enclosures with natural flooring, ensuring a suitable environment for the animals.

I spent a week at Oakvale Wildlife Park, working with different groups of animals each day. I gained experience with farm animals, reptiles, mammals, birds, and in food preparation. My tasks included cleaning, feeding, conducting health checks, providing enrichment, and assisting customers by answering their questions about the animals. Additionally, I helped with feeding shows and handling animals daily. 

I completed a two day course run by Hunter Education Group. The course was about learning how to be a barista, like making and serving coffee. and the other part of it was learning how a hotel was run, and all the different staff that work there.

I started TAFE Cert II Animal care in February, and it will continue until September. In this course I learnt all the basics to many different topics of animal care. such as hygiene, PPE, WHS, sustainability, handling and behavior. This course taught me how to safely interact with animals, and how to ensure that I am kept safe by using PPE.

I started at Mayfield vetinarey Hospital in May. While working there I learnt many new skills including, how to pack a pet kit, cleaning kennels, and washing and prepping surgical tools. I was also able to sit in on surgeries like castrations and orthopedic surgery.

I attended a week’s placement at Australia Zoo in June. While I was there, I got to speak to a number of keepers who worked in different departments of the zoo, ask them questions, and see how they carried out their work. I also had the opportunity to tour behind the scenes in the wildlife hospital, crocodile enclosures, and elephant enclosures.

I was able to make enrichment for a number of animals, as well as clean and prepare enclosures. During my placement, I also learnt about the different conservation projects the zoo is involved in and discovered ways that I can contribute to them.