Comedian Abi Clarke has just become a zookeeper in training. She’s trading the comedy circuit, for the Komodo Dragon habitat, as she attempts to become Chester Zoo’s newest recruit.
This is a wildlife podcast like no other. Forget emotional montages and dramatic music. And enter one frazzled comedian working it out, one day at a time.
Abi has just six weeks to prove that she has what it takes to become the zoo’s next hire. Armed with bundles of enthusiasm, and very little skill, Abi is learning the ropes from the real-life zookeepers, vets and animals that make Chester Zoo the best in the UK. From facing her fears of crocodiles, to training a sloth to get an xray, Abi is getting fully immersed in zookeeper life.
New episodes every week. Follow @traineezookeeper on TikTok and Instagram for behind-the-scenes videos.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Has Abi Clarke done enough to earn her stripes as Chester Zoo’s newest zookeeper? She’s survived six weeks of rhino poo, crocodile encounters, and relocating flamingos. But the finish line isn’t quite in sight yet.
Before she graduates there’s a pregnant sifaka on the brink of giving birth, some freshly hatched chicks that need weighing and it's time to enter the bat cave.
Because nothing tests your zookeeper potential like hundreds of flying mammals and the smell of bat wee.
See some of Abi’s adventures at Chester Zoo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/traineezookeeper) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@traineezookeeper).
Find out more about the incredible work at Chester Zoo, here (https://www.chesterzoo.org/podcast).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
21 Jul 2025
Week 5: Up Close and Personal
When the team asked Abi if there were any animals she was scared of, she said “Crocodile, obviously.” So today… she’s meeting one. Kind of. Maybe. It’s complicated. Is it a crocodile? A gharial? A false gharial? You’ll have to listen to find out.
But that's just the start. Until now, Abi’s had it pretty easy. Otters, sloths, and casually lobbing grapes at a cassowary. But the real work is about to begin.
She’s elbow-deep in rhino poo and scrambling up cliffs for ibis eggs, all under the watchful eye of a vulture called Ethyl.
See some of Abi’s adventures at Chester Zoo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/traineezookeeper) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@traineezookeeper).
Find out more about the incredible work at Chester Zoo, here (https://www.chesterzoo.org/podcast).
New episodes every week.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Jul 2025
Week 4: Okay Fashionistas
Stop the press. We've found a chameleon wearing a waistcoat. And he's ready for the catwalk.
While this fashionable reptile steals the show with his very stylish choices, on the other side of the zoo, there's some big news about some HUGE new arrivals.
And we take a visit to the vet, to hear about STDs, haemorrhoids and a group of chimpanzees using their babies as shields.
See some of Abi’s adventures at Chester Zoo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/traineezookeeper) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@traineezookeeper).
Find out more about the incredible work at Chester Zoo, here (https://www.chesterzoo.org/podcast).
New episodes every week.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
7 Jul 2025
Week 3: The Unexpected Icons
Comedian Abi Clarke explores the surprising animal celebrities at the zoo, including a Komodo dragon and headline-making tortoise, while learning about their unique stories and contributions.
30 Jun 2025
Week 2: Training Season
Zookeeper in training Abi Clarke learns about sloth training with Keeper Sophie, meets a large bird with Keeper Zoe, and explores species-saving caravans with Adam in this interview episode.
23 Jun 2025
Week 1: Moving House
Comedian Abi Clarke trains as a zookeeper at Chester Zoo, encountering giant otters, relocating flamingos, and helping giraffes settle into their new habitat in this interview episode.
16 Jun 2025
Coming Soon (Trailer)
Comedian Abi Clarke trains as a zookeeper at Chester Zoo, learning from zookeepers and vets while facing fears and training animals in this immersive experience.
Who has been a guest on Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Keeper Sophie
Keeper Zoe
Adam
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
100
YouTube
0
Engagement
31
Contact Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
