Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its penguins and parrots, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2024, then it surely can’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Lead Bird Keeper to join the Penguins & Parrots team on a permanent basis, and according to the description of the job on its website, it’s looking for a “dedicated and hardworking individual” with extensive knowledge and a proven track-record in delivering the highest standards of avian husbandry and exhibitory.
The role will involve supporting the Assistant Team Manager in the daily management of the section, along with leading, training, and working closely with other team members to “ensure the highest standards are met”.
Chester Zoo needs a new keeper to look after its penguins and parrots / Credit: Chester Zoo
The ideal candidate will have “substantial” experience working as an aviculturist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility, a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science, and must be able to deliver an excellent level of care for all birds, while ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are properly maintained.
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According to the zoo, the role may also involve representing Chester Zoo and the team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences.
The job description emphasises that excellent communication skills are “essential”.
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Some of the additional qualities the zoo indicates will make you stand out from the crowd include having a strong work ethic, the ability to demonstrate good leadership qualities, outstanding observational skills, and excellent attention to detail.
Applications for the role are now open / Credit: Chester Zoo
Ultimately, you’ll need to be an “enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated team player”.
The role of ‘Lead Keeper – Parrots and Penguins’ is 40 hours per week, with the working week including some weekends and Bank Holidays, and the salary on offer being £28,612.83.
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Working at Chester Zoo comes with an “excellent benefits package” and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, a staff pass so that you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
You’ll even get a load of discounts on gym memberships, cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops, and so much more.
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024, and you can get your applications in on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Paul Merson slams ‘pathetic’ plans for Manchester United’s new stadium
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer and pundit Paul Merson has branded the recently revealed plans for Manchester United’s new stadium as “pathetic” in a recent interview.
The former Arsenal and Aston Villa turned manager, commentator and TV personality spoke to Sky Sports this week after the CGIs for what some supporters are already dubbing ‘New Trafford’ were shown to the world on Tuesday.
Now, while it’s fair to say the designs have been pretty divisive, for Merson it’s still a headscratcher as to why United supporters want to leave such a historic ground and one that is still the second-largest football stadium in the country for something new and so different.
The 56-year-old didn’t hold back when giving his opinion on the matter, insisting, “If I was a Man United fan I’d be fuming.”
"I think it's pathetic…if I'm a Man United fan, I'll be fuming"
Paul Merson shares his honest opinion on Manchester United's new stadium plans 😨 pic.twitter.com/A74xeKwkpG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2025
As you can see, ‘Merse’ begins by saying he has “no interest at all”, adding that he thinks “It’s pathetic […] they’ve got one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League” and therefore aren’t necessarily crying out for more seats, nor an entirely new sporting arena.
It’s worth noting that Old Trafford’s capacity hasn’t necessarily been the issue or priority in recent years: dated facilities, lack of technology such as screens for VAR and the infamous leaking roof, which has been taken into account by architects Foster + Partners.
“Why would you need a new stadium?”, he asks, before going on to suggest that they “need new players” instead and should be more worried about the team and finishing in the top six, “let alone Champions League.”
It’s no secret that the Red Devils’ steady slump out of the premier European competition has cost them significantly in recent years, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delivering some alarming revelations about the state of the club’s finances in an interview with Gary Neville prior to the stadium reveal.
Merson summarises his opinion by saying, “I can’t believe what I’ve been seeing over the last couple of days – I’m flabbergasted.” Meanwhile, many people are chiefly concerned with how the stadium is going to be paid for, despite Mayor Andy Burnham’s reassurance that “no public money” will be used.
‘New Trafford’ is set to cost £2 billion and could be completed within five years.
Merson might have very strong opinions on Man United building a new stadium, to begin with, but what we’ve really enjoyed is seeing people’s reactions to the admittedly striking design.
Stockport-born Michelle Keegan, who also starred in Coronation Street, has been flooded with well-wishes after sharing the news of the arrival of their baby.
The official Coronation Street account wrote: “Congratulations to you both. Love from everyone here at Corrie x”
In a comment directed at Mark, Joe Wicks said: “Ffs I’m crying over here. I know how much you’ve wanted to be a dad and you’ll be an amazing dad too. This is the most beautiful thing to see. So happy for you both.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th June 2024 
