Zoo recruiting human 'seagull deterrents' who will dress up in bird costumes

If you're looking for a new job that requires you to get out and about in the fresh air, then maybe you could consider becoming a human "seagull deterrent".

Recruiters at Blackpool Zoo are looking to keep hungry seagulls away from their visitor dining areas, and need a helping hand - or indeed claw - to do so.

The seaside zoo is looking for a plucky team of "seagull" deterrents' to join their visitor services team, as part of their efforts to keep "nuisance" seagulls away from visitors' chips, and applicants will need to be able to demonstrate a number of specific qualities.

Needless to say, applicants will have to be pretty outgoing (Blackpool Zoo)

Seagulls are becoming a bit of a 'nuisance' at the zoo (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

According to the official job advertisement, listed on the Blackpool Zoo website: "At Blackpool Zoo it goes without saying that we love all animals!

"And as a seaside resort, Blackpool is not short of seagulls. However, the seagulls are proving to be a bit of a nuisance when it comes to trying to steal food from our visitors and our animal enclosures!

"We need to do what we can to keep the seagulls away from our main visitor dining areas, which is why we are looking for a team of people to join our Visitor Services team as 'Seagull Deterrents'."

Seagulls have been pinching food from visitors and zoo animals alike (Getty Images)

As per the job description, successful candidates will need to be visitor focused, friendly, energetic, and flexible. Naturally, they'll also have to be pretty outgoing given that they will "need to be comfortable wearing a bird costume".

Being near the seaside, Blackpool Zoo naturally has to deal with its share of ravenous seagulls, and the impact of this is detailed in a Tripadvisor review entitled 'Beware of the Seagulls'.

The unimpressed visitor, who would have otherwise given the popular attraction four stars, wrote: "The zoo has a major problem with seagulls dive bombing the area surrounding the café/restaurant - this was unsettling for some families, especially, the children.

"The zoo has put up 'dummy' falcons/hawks on the roof of the establishment but this is not working. The zoo will have to become more creative in dealing with a serious problem."

You'll need to be a friendly and energetic sort of person (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

The role is being offered with variable seasonal hours and could be an exciting opportunity for those who've always fancied unleashing their inner pesky seagull.

Check out the Blackpool Zoo website for more details on how to apply, or send your cover letter over to recruitment@blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

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