Working in Dublin zoo for my work placement will be an unforgettable experience. While I was only there for 15 weeks, I have gained so much knowledge from my time here and have gained so many more skills and built upon skills I already have. The biggest takeaway from my placement experience was how much my confidence improved while I worked there, by building relationships with new people and learning how to put myself out there more. I am so grateful that I was able to complete my placement in Dublin Zoo alongside an amazing team and being able to be part of the work that they do. While it was a lot of work, it was an amazing learning experience and if I could do it again I would.

Caitlin Magill

BSc Zoology

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Now in its third year, Dublin Zoo’s partnership with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has proven to be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved. We have welcomed both undergraduate and postgraduate students, all of whom have become fully immersed in our conservation and science work from day one. Placement students are not simply observers, they become an integral part of the team, taking on hands-on tasks such as conducting pollinator surveys, collecting and analysing animal behaviour data, and observing complex social behaviours in species such as Asian elephants. The programme has been a genuine “win–win” for Dublin Zoo and QUB students alike, with students gaining invaluable real-world skills while contributing meaningfully to our mission of conserving wildlife.

Work experience is an essential bridge between academic study and a professional career, offering students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting. It allows them to test different career paths, gain valuable industry insight, and build professional networks that could open doors to future job opportunities. Placement work also exposes students to a different style of learning, one grounded in practical problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. At Dublin Zoo, students learn a variety of new skills, including using specialist tools such as ZooMonitor software to record and analyse animal behaviour data. Just as importantly, they develop softer skills like communication, collaboration, and initiative, all of which boost their overall employability.

While placement students have contributed to numerous projects, one standout achievement was their involvement in a peer-reviewed publication: Changes in Environment and Management Practices Improve Foot Health in Zoo-Housed Flamingos, published in the journal Animals. This study underscored the importance of regular foot health monitoring in flamingos and highlighted how natural aquatic substrates play a vital role in their welfare. For the students, contributing to this research was not only a fantastic addition to their CVs but also a unique chance to experience the full research process, from data collection to publication, and to see first-hand how scientific findings can directly shape animal management practices.

Andrew Mooney

Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo