Olivia Richardson

Recent graduate specializing in wildlife conservation with a strong ability to quickly learn and adapt to new challenges. Demonstrates great work ethic and proven skills in communication, multitasking, and prioritization. Committed to contributing effectively in dynamic environments.

East Trentham Wildlife Shelter, Australia 

The most recent volunteering I have done is with East Trentham Wildlife Shelter.
I would do bottle feeds with the smaller joeys and regular feeds with hay and pallets with the other ones. Daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning the enclosures, water and food bowls. As well as looking for any abnormal behaviours. Often I would be taken out on rescues where I gained hands-on experience of capturing wild animals that needed help as well as having to watch some animals being euthanased if they were too sick or injured. As some of the animals that needed help are in people's gardens, I got to learn how to interact with the general public and educate them on what's going on with the animals.They are known for the rescues of sick, injured or orphan kangaroo joeys with occasional other animals such as wombats, wallabies and various bird species.

Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, Sri Lanka 

Volunteering in Sri Lanka, collecting on-going research for animals such as Asian Elephants, fishing cats and birds. Collecting dung samples from elephants to examine their food intake, hormones and age. As well as talking to local villagers about the recent interaction with the elephants and going into detail about the Human-Elephant conflict.

Sealife Manchester, UK (University Placement)

Whilst volunteering at Sealife, I have partaken in food preparation for animals that don’t eat on a daily basis. I have also developed an understanding of the UK specific laws regarding animal husbandry and welfare. Additionally, I have taken part in the daily cleaning and maintenance of the tanks, as well as checking the temperature, lighting, and humidity is correct. I am also able to keep up to date with stud books and records, which is essential when providing the vets with requested information. I have also been taught the procedures for when an animal has to be quarantined, whether that is because they need treatment, or if a new species has come into the center. I have also designed and successfully completed a 12 week animal training program on Ziggy the Zebra shark. I trained Ziggy to touch and follow a target on a stick. This was so if the vets needed to provide her with care, she could follow the target and allow them to see and treat her. I have also been shown the procedure on how to deal with an escaped animal, including with animals that are from a species that are dangerous to tame.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, Thailand (University Placement)

Volunteering at WFFT has given me practical knowledge and first hand experience of exotic animals.This involved the daily food preparation for over 300 animals, and daily husbandry of the animal enclosures. Cleaning the food and water baskets, to stop the build up of old food and bacteria and make enrichments for the monkeys and bears. In caring for the Asian Elephants, I helped with food preparation and feeding twice daily, as well as fruit enrichments which were made daily. Additionally, the animals were given any necessary vitamins on a weekly basis, and if needed they would be given medication. When I became more confident in the role, I became a volunteer team leader and was responsible for delegating jobs to new volunteers, and ensuring they knew what their tasks entailed. Volunteering here gave me extensive knowledge and confidence when working around different types of animals, particularly those that are dangerous, and the importance of following safety protocols around wild animals.

RSPCA - Pet rescue and shelter, UK

Between mid 2019 and early 2020, I volunteered at an RSPCA Animal Rescue Centre as a Cat Cuddler. This involved providing valuable socialization and physical contact to kittens and cats that came into the Centre, in order to better prepare them for future adoption.I also had to input data about the animals when required.