'I even get to wash tortoises' - Britain's youngest zookeeper joins Chessington World of Adventures
It’s a ‘dream come true’ for animal loving Max, who has taken up a post as the country’s youngest zookeeper.
Britain’s youngest ever zookeeper has joined the team at Chessington World of Adventures in London.
Six-year-old Max Evans-Browning has joined the team for the summer after hitting headlines for drawing 99 animals in celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 99th birthday and even receiving a letter of thanks from the man himself.
Chessington Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, with conservation and education at the heart of everything it does. Max’s passion for wildlife and conservation captured hearts worldwide when his incredible animal drawings and impressive wildlife knowledge caused a viral sensation earlier this year.
Now, Chessington Zoo has recruited the young animal enthusiast to work alongside the team throughout the summer holidays.
Max will receive special training and insight into what it takes to become a keeper at one of the UK's leading zoos. Max’s duties will include everything from helping clean enclosures, to preparing food for the animals, conducting health checks, and providing care for all the animals in the park.
Max said: “I’ve always wanted to be a zookeeper, and Chessington World of Adventures is making my dreams come true! My first day involved feeding the zebras and giraffes, making sure the windows were clean for the sea lions, and I even got to wash the tortoises. Giraffes are one of my favourite animals, as well as Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys, so getting to look after all my favourite animals this summer is the best!”
Seren Cottrell, Education Officer at Chessington World of Adventures, said: “Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are committed to educating young people about wildlife and conservation. When we heard about Max’s incredible knowledge of animals we didn’t hesitate in offering him the opportunity to join our zoo team for the remainder of the summer.
Max has been an excellent addition to our team so far and his wealth of animal knowledge is second to none. Max is getting stuck in to the day-to-day care, ensuring every hoof, paw, flipper, fang, coat and fish scale is exceptionally looked after, all while bringing a smile to our faces – the animals included!”
Chessington Zoo and Sea Life are home to over 1,000 exotic animals including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, penguins and sea lions. Chessington offers a free daily programme of educational talks, workshops and displays showcasing animals from penguins to owls, rays to raccoons.
For further information visit chessington.com or download the Chessington World of Adventures app.