Osian pursuing his dream of being a zookeeper
The former Glynllifon and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor student is now studying a BSc in Zoology, having worked with elephants in Thailand during his time at college
Osian Hughes is working towards his dream career as a zookeeper after pursuing his passion for animal care at Glynllifon.
Osian, from Penrhyndeudraeth, is in the first year of a Zoology degree at Bangor University, having completed his Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management at Glynllifon last year.
He started at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor on a pre-vocational course aged 16, but didn’t believe at the time that he could turn his love of animals into a career.
After taking further courses in catering and plumbing, Osian’s confidence grew, and he decided to follow his heart and apply to Glynllifon.
During his time at the land-based campus, he honed his skills and even got the chance through college to volunteer with an elephant conservation project in Thailand.
He said: “I started doing a pre-vocational course in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Dolgellau in September 2017 because I didn't know what I wanted to do after leaving school.
“I went on to study Hospitality Level 1 in Dolgellau for a year, then Plastering Level 1 and Level 2, as I kept changing my mind about what I wanted to do.
“I'd always wanted to be a zookeeper but never thought I'd do well enough in education to be one.
“My confidence went up as the years went by, so I thought I'd give animal care a chance. I went to Glynllifon to study Animal Studies Level 2, then went on to study the Animal Management Level 3 extended diploma for two years.
“It was really good. The teaching was of a high standard, especially with how nice the staff were as well. Their sense of humour always made our lessons fun and kept the students entertained.
“Kate, Rebecca, Zoe, Sarah, Ceiran, Jayne and Judith were very supportive and always believed that the students were going to do well in their course.
“What I enjoyed most about the course was learning more about animal behaviour, especially when we did the animal behaviour practical and got to do the ethograms (a catalogue of species-specific behaviours). I also enjoyed going to the farm.”
Osian enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when he spent two weeks in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, working on a conservation project aimed at promoting ethical elephant tourism.
Osian said at the time: “Getting the chance to go and volunteer on an elephant conservation project in Chiang Mai was truly an amazing opportunity. Being there in the mountains working with the local community was an unforgettable experience. I made friendships that will stay with me forever.
“Learning about this type of conservation is very important, and reinforces the fact that we all belong to one ecosystem and that we must all work together to make a better future for all.
He added: “As a young lad, coming to college for the first time, I never imagined that I would get the chance to go on my own to the other side of the world to work with elephants. The whole experience provided by the college has given me so much more confidence, and I am now happy working with all kinds of animals.”
Now studying a BSc in Zoology with Animal Management at Bangor University, Osian has his sights on a Masters in Marine Biology, and possibly even a career as a wildlife television presenter.
He said: “I am hoping to become a zookeeper or a wildlife presenter after finishing my course, but if I'm struggling to find a job after my degree, I would participate in more volunteering abroad and hopefully do a Masters degree in Marine Biology to have a wide range of career opportunities in the marine sector. Also, I might find some training or opportunities to help become a wildlife presenter after finishing my education.”
Do you want a rewarding and vital career in the animal and veterinary sector? Learn more about Glynllifon’s range of courses, from Level 1 through to Veterinary Nursing apprenticeships