Weston College, Further Education for 16-18 year olds

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Meet Mac – Animal Team Supervisor at Puxton Park

Animal Team Supervisor Mac has been with Puxton Park for more than two years. Mac assists with the management of the animal team, animal husbandry and public education – giving talks to schools and visitors to the park.

"I have always had an interest in the importance of animals within the ecological framework.

I’m keen to inspire people to understand why they are so important in the wild and the domestic setting.

I studied the Animal Management, BTEC Extended Diploma at Weston College and went on to the Animal Management FdSc at UCW. These courses gave me the opportunity to study a subject I was interested in and develop both my academic and practical skills. I also had the opportunity to work alongside studying the degree, which is not always possible with other courses. During the courses I worked at:

  • Cadbury Garden Centre Pet Department – I did work experience here for the time I was at College.
  • Cobthorn Trust – I had placement whilst doing my degree looking at rare breeds of livestock.
  • … and now here at Puxton Park.

I am particularly interested in the rare breeds that we home here at Puxton. We have one of the country’s biggest breeding programmes for the Cameroon sheep. At peak threat of extinction, there were less than 600 in the UK and we now have over 30 here at Puxton.

What is great about the new Weston College animal education centre at Puxton?

It will allow you to see the animal industry in a practical setting, bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world.

Puxton will also be able to share the ethics and role that animals play in industry with you.

Why is the animal care sector important and what are the best bits about working in it?

I believe there is a disconnect between the natural world and modern life, and that this could have devastating effects on animals and the wider society. Having more people who understand animals will be beneficial and improve our understanding, conservation and public education.

What advice would you give to animal care students?

As early as possible try and get some broad experience of the multiple areas within the animal industry. This will ensure you enter the part of the industry that suits you best and having diverse experiences will look good when applying for future employment."

 

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