Malcolm's Zoo Story: Koalas, Kangaroos and Confidence
For the past year, Malcolm has been working two days a week at Mount Evelyn Zoo — feeding the animals, helping around the grounds and making new friends along the way. Here is his story, in his own words, with some of the work skills he is building highlighted along the way.
Meet Malcolm
My name is Malcolm. I would describe myself as funny and calm.I have been working at Mount Evelyn Zoo. I go there two days a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. I really like it. It has become a fun part of my routine, and it gives me something to look forward to each week.
What I do at the zoo
My job is helping to feed the animals, including the horses, and doing other jobs around the zoo, like cleaning the floors. Feeding the animals is one of my favourite parts.
Some things were a bit hard at first, like getting the food ready and learning new tasks. But they are getting easier over time, and that makes me feel like I am learning. I keep trying, I do my best, and every shift I get a little bit better.
Work skill: Learning new skills · Task persistence"Some things were a bit hard at first, but they are getting easier over time, and that makes me feel like I am learning." — Malcolm
A day in my working life
My workday starts at 9 am and finishes at 3 pm. Before work, I get ready and brush my teeth. Then I travel there by car. I like to play music on the way, because it helps me feel relaxed and ready for the day.
When I get there, I sit in the car for a little bit first. Then I go in and check the board, so I know what is happening and what jobs need to be done.
Work skill: Initiative"I go in and check the board, so I know what is happening and what jobs need to be done." — Malcolm
During the day, I make sure I drink water and get on with my tasks. I have lunch at 12, which is a nice break in the middle of the day. Near the end of my shift, I get the books and start wrapping up.
The animals
The animals are what make the zoo special to me. I see the koalas and kangaroos the most. My favourite animal is the koala, because they sleep all day — I think that is funny.The kangaroos make me smile too. I like watching them, especially when they jump around and act a bit wild.
"I feel like I have built a real connection with the kangaroos."
There is also a baby dingo that stands out to me, because it has a funny and strong personality. That is one thing I like about zoo work: every animal is different, and they all have their own way of acting.
Friends and good days
Working at the zoo makes me feel good. I enjoy being around the animals and the people. The people I work with are happy, and that makes the day better.
I have made friends there too. Seeing my friends at work is one of my favourite things, and it is something I will always remember.
My favourite day so far was when I got there early. It felt like a really good start to the day. Sometimes small things like that can make the whole day feel better.
How I have grown, and what is next
I feel proud of myself when I am happy at work and doing a good job. Working at the zoo has helped me become more friendly and better at making friends. It has also helped me build confidence in my own way.
Work skill: Confidence · Self-awareness"Working at the zoo has helped me become more friendly and better at making friends. It has also helped me build confidence in my own way." — Malcolm
In the future, I want to keep learning at the zoo and keep working with animals. I would like to keep going and keep growing, and one day take the next step in my working life. Right now, I am enjoying this experience and everything it is teaching me.
My advice to you
If you think you could never work in a zoo, I would say give it a go. It is a good place for people. It is not too hard to get started, and you can learn as you go. You can make friends, enjoy the animals and build your confidence.
To me, a good working life means going places. It means doing something fun, meeting people, learning new things and feeling good about what you do.
Working at Mount Evelyn Zoo has been a really positive experience for me — and that is what makes it special.
Ready to start your own work story? At Support 4 Employment, we help young people with disability build the skills and confidence to find work they enjoy, through our NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program. Get in touch with S4E to find out how we can help.
