Christina’s animal management journey

Christina studied animal management and zoology at Capel Manor College and achieved a higher education qualification.

“I have always known I wanted to study something animal related so I started to look for a college with whom I could complete an animal related course and came across Capel Manor College. The College seemed to offer the most options and when I found out about the foundation degree I thought it was an incredible opportunity that I could not resist. 

The course was packed full of interesting topics and exciting trips to various locations. The lecturers were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic which really made it a more enjoyable experience. I particularly enjoyed our trip to the Isle of Man to conduct Cetacean surveys. Having the opportunity to see and learn about whales and dolphins was incredible. The College was lovely with beautiful gardens to walk around at lunchtime and a well stocked library to help with assignments and exams. 

I have gained so much knowledge and hands-on experience with animals which has hugely helped me to further my career. My experience at Capel Manor College definitely helped me get to where I am today!

I am currently in Costa Rica completing an Animal Specialist Internship with the Toucan Rescue Ranch; a rehabilitation and release centre which specialises in toucans, owls and sloths. My future goal is to travel around the world working in the field of conservation and gaining more knowledge along the way.”

Where are they now?

After five years studying animal management with us, Cara has continued to thrive in higher education and the animal science sector. 

Following her time at our College she progressed to her first-choice university to study BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, a course selected to broaden the biology and animal science knowledge she first developed at Capel Manor College. Throughout her degree, Cara explored diverse areas from physiology to animal behaviour, and the fascinating crossover of behavioural physiology. 

As part of her four-year programme, Cara completed an exciting placement year that took her around the world. She spent three months at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Ecuador followed by six months at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna contributing to sector research. 

Returning to the UK for her final year, Cara graduated with first-class honours, as well as several prestigious awards recognising her academic excellence and dedication to student leadership. 

Her success has continued beyond her undergraduate degree. Cara has now been accepted to study an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she is working remotely with her research team in Vienna, conducting data analysis and contributing to multiple scientific publications. 

Cara says that Capel Manor College helped shape the confident, motivated person she is today, supporting her personal development as much as her academic journey. Her long-term dream remains to work in animal behaviour and eventually become a team leader in a canine behavioural team with a charity such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea, before moving on to a career in education, inspiring others just as she was inspired.