In 2019, January we had a pleasure to host a group of 5 students from France who were willing to work in zoological and botanical garden in Seville. Even though, the company describe themselves as an extraordinary place, where animals and plants are exhibited as singularities of nature. Here, both animals and plants receive special care that illustrates the passion of local vets and gardeners for life and nature. The philosophy of this place is based on treating nature with the most care and respect, and on providing animals with conditions as close as possible to their natural environment. Thus, the students were introduced to a different working culture, where everyone is truly passionate about taking care of animals and plants and were given different tasks and responsibilities, such as:

– Feeding and watering animals
– Cleaning and disinfecting cages and other work areas
– Handling and moving animals safely
– Checking the environment (for example, temperature and humidity)
– Monitoring the condition of animals and recognizing, and resolving any behavioural problems
– Obtaining samples and measurements
– Collecting and recording data
– Ensuring animals are kept clean and comfortable
– Administering medicines

Besides students’ training program, they also had many other leisure activities to enjoy Seville! For example, shot but intense and dynamic Spanish language course to get a deeper insight in Spanish culture and be able to understand it better. Moreover, students had an opportunity to explore the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of Andalusia- Seville. The city is a historical masterpiece full of monuments, gardens and flamenco festivals, which also reflects the harmony between different Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures and religions.