One of those team members is aquarist Karl Newman. We spoke to him about how he found his way into animal care and what his role really involves.
Karl’s interest in animals started early.
“I’ve always been fascinated by animals,” he says. “From a young age I was reading about different species and their habitats and trying to learn as much as I could.”
That fascination led him to formally study Zoo Management. In 2018, Karl began volunteering with the animal care team at SEA LIFE Scarborough, an experience that confirmed he’d found the right path.
“Once I started volunteering, I knew straight away this was the job for me,” he explains.
A typical day for Karl begins with a cup of tea, followed by checks on all the animals and the life-support systems that keep them healthy. After preparing breakfast for the animals, the day can vary widely.
“Depending on the day, I could be cleaning and backwashing the penguin pool, training the seals and otters, or checking that our reptiles are warm and comfortable,” he says. “No two days are ever the same.”
When asked which animal stands out the most, Karl doesn’t hesitate.
“Custard, one of our penguins, has the biggest personality,” he laughs. “He’s often chasing our guests along the glass or winding up the other birds, especially his partner Wilma. But he’s also got a softer side and will sometimes sit with us or follow us around the enclosure.”
There are parts of the job that many people wouldn’t expect we asked Karl about this .
“We’re on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Karl explains. “We’re trained to respond to any issues with tanks or equipment at any time. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s essential for animal welfare a lot of people don't realise that its that kind of always on operation.”
Despite the challenges, there are moments that still feel special!
“One of my favourite times is when the evening lights start to change,” he says. “The displays look different, the atmosphere shifts, and some of the nocturnal animals start to become active. It’s a reminder of how unique these environments are.”
Karl recalls one particularly testing moment, when a valve on the ocean tank began leaking.
“It could have been very serious, but the team worked quickly and effectively to resolve it. The sharks and fish were none the wiser, which is exactly what we aim for – no disruption to the animals or our guests!.”
For young people interested in animal care or conservation, Karl has simple advice.
“Get as much experience as you can, no matter how small it seems. Volunteering, work experience and learning new skills all make a difference. A lot of us started that way, and we have a volunteering programme here where people can learn what being an aquarist is really like.”
Looking ahead, Karl is excited about what’s coming next at SEA LIFE Scarborough.
“We’re currently in the final stages of developing our otter enclosure, which I’m really looking forward to seeing completed. I’m also building three new rainforest displays that will soon be home to new arrivals from around the world.”
