A mature student has scooped her dream job as a lion keeper after returning to her studies at Solihull College & University Centre.
Misty Nightingale studied Animal Welfare at the College when she left school 18 years ago, but her career went down a different path. At 32 Misty decided the time was right to go back to her studies. She applied for the Animal Behaviour & Welfare Degree studied at the College in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and was offered a place.
Misty comments: “It was nerve wracking coming back to study – I was so apprehensive about being the oldest student, but I was welcomed into the group with open arms.”
She received such glowing reports from her first-year work placement at Drayton Manor Zoo they kept her on for an extended internship. This helped Misty with the confidence she needed to go for her dream job.
Misty then applied for a role at West Midlands Safari Park. Bosses saw her potential after seeing she had experience working with carnivores. She secured the role of designated lion keeper.
“Ever since I was a child, I wanted to work with lions – that’s what spurred me to go back to college. I genuinely would recommend to any mature student who wants to better themselves, to take the leap of faith and go back to study. I am living my best life when it comes to my job, and I sometimes can’t quite believe that I get to work with lions.
“I have many more sections to learn and be signed off on animals such as cheetahs and tigers which is nerve racking but also so exciting. To finally say at 34 years of age I am now working in my dream job with an amazing team and even more amazing animals just doesn’t seem real some days, but I am so grateful for the position I am.”
