Twycross Zoo is looking for 45 staff to help it launch its new Gruffalo Discovery Land next month.
The Leicestershire zoo says it has vacancies in the retail and entertainment team ahead of the April 9 launch.
The types of jobs on offer include retail assistant, visitor experience assistant as well as seasonal performers and entertainers.
The new four-acre attraction has cost millions of pounds to create and will feature characters from the much-loved children’s book, which was written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
It has been developed in partnership with The Gruffalo brand owners Magic Light Pictures, and includes a mix of live animals, animatronics, film clips and other attractions.
Characters such as Fox, Snake, Owl, Mouse and the Gruffalo will entertain families along an interactive journey through the Deep Dark Wood.
It will also help Twycross with its work protecting wildlife, preserving endangered species and educating the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.
Management at the zoo – which is a registered charity – hope it will lead to record visitor numbers and boost retail sales.
The zoo is looking for individuals who are “friendly, motivated and enthusiastic” and can provide an engaging and informative experience for visitors.
Head of retail Sam O’Connor said: “We are delighted to announce this latest recruitment drive which comes at an incredibly exciting time for the zoo.
“Our new recruits will have the opportunity to join our team ahead of the opening of The Gruffalo Discovery Land – a brand-new, ground-breaking experience that will engage and inspire visitors of all ages and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
“Twycross Zoo is a key tourism asset in Leicestershire which already significantly contributes to the £80 million tourist spend in Hinckley and Bosworth.
“The opening of The Gruffalo Discovery Land is an important milestone for the Zoo as we continue towards our 2030 Vision to become a European Centre of Excellence for conservation, so we’re so pleased to announce this increased investment in our operational and retail teams as we embark upon an exciting period ahead.
“Our new team members will have the chance to work in a truly unique environment surrounded by more than 400 animals from over 80 different species across our 100-acre site.
“It’s an opportunity not to be missed so we’d encourage those interested to apply online today.”
Applications are welcome from individuals available to work from March until September 2022, as well as during the school holidays.
The zoo said successful applicants will get pay rates in line with the national minimum / living wage, a complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family and staff discounts.
For more information visit the zoo website and click on the jobs link.
