Hamerton Zoo Huntingdon behind scenes look at Sawtry spot

It's perhaps one of Huntingdonshire's best known tourist attractions. It's hosted many a school trip and is a spot where people have fond memories. 

The summer holidays are a busy time for Hamerton Zoo, so The Hunts Post took a look at what life is like behind the scenes at the Sawtry park.

The Hamerton Zoo keepers have shown us what a day in the life is like for them. (Image: Hamerton Zoo)

What's a day in the life like at Hamerton Zoo?

Nicole Skinner, who works at Hamerton Zoo, told The Hunts Post: "Our keepers start work at 8:30am and begin their day by loading their trolleys with animal breakfasts. They will then head to their section and check that each animal is happy and healthy.

"Once the checks are complete, they will spend the morning feeding and cleaning the animals in their section. We also have keeper talks and feeds on the weekends and during the school holidays throughout the morning that the keepers will participate in.

The keepers take part in feeding time in the morning and the afternoon. (Image: Hamerton Zoo)

"During term time, our education officer is welcoming schools to classrooms to learn about our wonderful animals."

"After the keepers have some lunch, their afternoon can vary hugely however everyday the zoo kitchen is busy preparing tea and breakfast for the next day.

"In the afternoon, keepers may be making and providing enrichment to the animals they look after, assisting the vet for routine checks and procedures, maintaining the park including supporting our local wildlife, branching and designing enclosures, maintaining animal records on the database, and providing pre-booked animal encounters.

"We also have our animal talks and feeds throughout the afternoon in the school holidays and on the weekends, and our team host event days throughout the year to raise money for key conservation charities for endangered species."

The staff at Hamerton Zoo often fundraise for endangered species. (Image: Hamerton Zoo)

What keeps Hamerton Zoo running?

"The most important thing to keep Hamerton Zoo running is the support from our visitors and the local schools who have educational visits here. 

"The animals and staff are also hugely important - without them we wouldn't be the zoo that we are today. We also have a huge network of suppliers and professionals that keep the animals healthy and happy. We also have many volunteers and great support from our local colleges where we provide work experience placement for."

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What's it like working at Hamerton?

"Everyday is different working at Hamerton. It can be very rewarding working with animals and working outdoors. 

The team enjoy working outdoors at Hamerton Zoo. (Image: Hamerton Zoo)

"The staff at Hamerton area  great team to work with. The work is hard and manual, but the keepers love their animals and spreading awareness for the conservation issues for many endangered species."

Why do you think Hamerton is such a treasured tourist attraction in Huntingdonshire?

"Hamerton Zoo is home to so many unique and endangered animals. Some of the species here cannot be seen anywhere else in the UK.

There are lots of unique and endangered animals at Hamerton Zoo. (Image: Hamerton Zoo)

"We are cared for by our local community and have a great network of supporters that come time and time again to see our animals. The staff here are so friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable."