The Kent pub doubling as a zoo that's looking for a new animal keeper
The Fenn Bell Conservation Project on Fenn Street in Rochester is offering a full-time position for someone with at least two years' experience in a recognised zoo environment.
The keeper will support the day-to-day running of the zoo, which is home to a wide range of creatures, including monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, otters and flamingos.
Founded in 2014, the project began when owner Andrew Cowell took in two pigs in need of a new home.
He told the News Shopper: 'I saw them online, and taking them in just sort of became a habit.
'Soon, we found ourselves with all sorts of animals.
'We used to have people come to our front door and ask, 'are you the man with the monkeys in the back garden?' I'd say, 'yeah, come have a look.''
Eventually, after a moment of reflection prompted by his wife, he began thinking about creating a proper space for rescued animals.
The opportunity came when he noticed a disused pub nearby.
(Image: Fenn Bell Inn)
Andrew explained: 'I told Shepherd Neame I wanted to rent the pub to build a zoo, and I think they thought I was mad, but they went with it.'
Andrew officially took over The Fenn Bell pub in 2014. Since then, the zoo has grown steadily and now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors a year.
The project focuses solely on rescue and conservation.
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Andrew explained: 'None of the animals here have been bought. They've all been saved from difficult situations, whether from other zoos or private owners who could no longer care for them.'
The new animal keeper role comes with a salary of £25,600 per year and includes responsibilities such as preparing diets, maintaining enclosures, monitoring animal behaviour, and contributing to enrichment and training.
The role also involves supervising volunteers and students on work placements, some of whom come from special needs schools.
Andrew previously said: 'We have more than 300 kids come through each year on work experience and we are also passionate about supporting special needs schools, where students come to help out around the zoo. It's a really fulfilling part of what we do.'
The zoo is funded in part through the pub, which operates on the same site and remains open to customers whether or not they are visiting the animals.
'The income we make from food and drink goes directly into supporting the animals,' Andrew explained.
Applicants must have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Experience with ZIMS (Zoo Information Management System) and an animal management qualification would be an advantage but are not essential.
To apply, candidates are asked to send a current CV and cover letter to Connor Gordon, Head Keeper, at cg@thefennbell.com
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