Hey, I'm Vicki Small [now Venton], born in Kent, raised in Essex. At 18 I moved to North Wales to start a three-year course at Bangor University. In 2005 I gained a 2:1 in marine biology and zoology (joint honours).

While at university it became very apparent that relevant experience as well as qualifications was the way forward to a stable career. So in my final year (not a wise choice! For all you uni students I suggest doing work experience in your first year) I spent a day a fortnight at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, volunteering under the millennium scheme on the animal section.

Animals have always been my passion and volunteering at the zoo was a refreshing break from studying.

Just as my degree came to a close a job opened up at the zoo for an animal presenter and trainer. I had covered aspects of animal training on an animal behavioural module and thoroughly enjoyed the subject, and I loved speaking publicly when presenting scientific findings.

The job included all my passions and strengths. I was taking part in an international fish conference held at Bangor University when I received the call saying I had the job.

I started at the zoo two months after I graduated. For four weeks I gained intensive training on how to train the animals from the current animal trainer and presenter.

During my first month I got bitten to pieces by penguins, I presented to hundreds of people and a 40-stone male Californian sea-lion tried to mate with me! But the potential risks my job involves are outweighed by the adrenaline rush and reward of bonding with an animal and seeing them progress with the training.

My job now consists of training birds of prey, parrots, a pied crow, Californian sea-lions and Humboldt penguins. I also have all the animal husbandry, pool maintenance, presentations, maintaining zoo breeding stock (locusts, crickets, mice) and cleaning the staff room added to my daily duties.

My day starts at 8am and finishes anywhere from 5pm to 7pm, but usually 5pm. Time management is essential to ensure every duty is completed and to a high standard.
By Vicki Venton

Look out for Vicki's zoo diaries over the coming weeks, but first she introduces the animals we'll be watching on the web and on Wales Today.

Zoo index
Vicki's partner pops the question with a penguin.