Coral Jonas – MSc Zoo Conservation Biology graduate

Since graduating in 2016, Coral Jonas has gone on to work for Dartmoor Zoo as Head of Discovery and Learning.

Year of graduation: 2016

Current employer: Dartmoor Zoo

Current job title: Head of Discovery and Learning

Current location: Devon

“What made me apply for the course at Plymouth was the practical aspect of it. The modules were adaptable to my work situation and enhanced my understanding of the job that I was already doing.”

Tell us what you have been doing since completing your studies.

Since graduating, I have been managing the Discovery and Learning team at the Dartmoor Zoological Park, which handles the education for the zoo and presentations around the park.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

Every day I get to feed and be so close to some of the most powerful animals on the planet. It’s truly a privilege being at work.

Imagine you were about to start university again – with the benefit of hindsight – what would you now tell yourself to have done differently?

I would have followed the same career path. My plan was to always go into teaching so that I could potentially follow a career in conservation education. This pathway is very competitive though, so it was important for me to have the opportunity to teach in schools as well.

What was your main reason for choosing to study your course at Plymouth? With hindsight how significant was this for you?

Only two universities in the UK offered the masters course in zoo conservation. The reason I chose Plymouth was that I was working and studying at the same time and my work was close to Plymouth. What made me apply for the course at Plymouth was the practical aspect of it. The modules were adaptable to my work situation and enhanced my understanding of the job that I was already doing.

What is your favourite memory of studying for your degree at Plymouth?

My favourite memory of studying at the University of Plymouth was during one of the lectures where we got to be really close to gorillas.

Why would you recommend undertaking a course with the University of Plymouth?

The course at the University of Plymouth was very organised and adaptable to my situation of working and studying part-time at the same time. I would not hesitate to recommend the course and the University as a whole.

Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth here