A zoo’s seagull-scaring job has attracted a flock of applicants from around the world. More than 250 people from as far as Australia, the US and even war-torn Ukraine have applied for the Seagull Deterrent role at Blackpool Zoo, which pays £10.80 an hour.
And to prove they’re not just winging it, applicants have even sent in videos of themselves dressed as birds to show their suitability for the gig. The successful five candidates will be tasked with dressing as a giant bird and chasing after the pesky seabirds, which can get animals and visitors in a flap.
The advert made global headlines last month when the zoo announced the vacancy. Ian Walker, operations and visitor services manager at the zoo, said: “The job vacancy has broken the internet and we have had coverage in almost every country on the globe.
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“We’ve been filming with various TV and national newspaper crews throughout this week and visitors are all asking for selfies with Britain’s newest celebrity.”
Staff say seagulls have stolen food from penguins and pelicans and “make a real nuisance of themselves” during talks, feeds and demonstrations that involve fish. Previous attempts to deter them include having supersized eagle shaped kites and large statues of various birds of prey.
The zoo once had trained birds of prey patrolling the skies around the zoo to try and discourage the seagulls. Ian said the ideal candidate for the role will be “energetic” and have “a natural ability to talk to people”.
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He added: “The costume is something the seagulls won’t have seen before, and as intelligent birds, they will naturally not like it. The costume also makes a sound when the person is moving, which is something else the seagulls don’t like.
“The position would suit candidates with a natural ability to talk to people, as they will be engaging with and educating visitors by talking about the importance of not feeding or encouraging the seagulls. They must be outgoing as they will be approached for pictures by a lot of people.
“Lively, energetic, fun and, most importantly, an excellent flapper, will be top of the essentials list during interviews.”
The deadline for applications for the role closed on May 1, but as it is a seasonal role, it may be relisted in future for any hopeful seagull scarers. Other job opportunities at Blackpool Zoo can be found on its website here.
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