Meet our volunteers 

Hayley 

Hayley already had some animal experience when she came to volunteer at the centre. This sat her in good stead and she clearly had a great sense of empathy for all living things.

Having done work experience abroad with animals and working in the past as an entertainer, Hayley was a great candidate for a KOA volunteer.

Hayley's determination is very clear and she is a very outgoing and friendly person. We have recently watched her grow into a dynamic show presenter and experience day host. 

Maddie 

Maddie is a fantastic and long serving volunteer who has been with us through all weathers.

From experience days and public facing work, to cleaning the kitchen on a rainy day, everything she does is to the highest standard.

Due to her friendly and calming nature, Maddie has a great relationship with the animals at the centre- as well as her fellow team members.

We are looking forward to watching her progress into a dynamic presenter, something we know she will be great at! 

Scarlett 

Scarlett started volunteering in 2016 and took to the duties like a duck to water. From experience days, shows, and workshops to offsite work and display, there is nothing she won't take on. Scarlett is a very popular member of the team and always leaves guests smiling. Her confidence and fun- loving nature is magnetic which makes her a positive and pro-active member of the team in all situations. Despite her being one of the youngest members of the team, Scarlett shows ambition beyond her years, something we look forward to nurturing and watching grow. 

Emma 

Emma may be new to the KOA- but she is not new to owls and birds of prey. Emma is compassionate, kind and great fun! these are just some of the brilliant things she brings to the centre.

Due to owning her own birds, Emma has a brilliant understanding of bird behaviour and training which is a great advantage. However, what we admire about her most is her strength and positivity. Since starting with us, we have started to watch her confidence grow and we just know she is going to flourish as time goes on. 

Annie 

Annie started with us in early 2018 and has been such a great addition to the centre. Annie has experience in vet nursing and uses the valuable knowledge gained from her studies in her role at The Kent Owl Academy. Annie is extremely proactive and is always coming up with new creative ideas and her empathy with the animals is second to none. We are excited to see what she is capable of as time progresses. 

Lisa 

Lisa has been with us since the very beginning and her transformation has been a privilege to witness. Lisa's love for the owls shines through very brightly and due to her new-found confidence, she is now able to share that passion with our guests and customers. Lisa often takes control of our children's encounters and has recently received her first 5* TripAdvisor review, which reflects how fantastically she is doing.

Vinnie 

Vinnie joined us in 2018 and has been a great addition to the team. Working with Lisa on Sundays he has become part of a super duo and is highly praised by our experience day guests. Vinnie is always first to volunteer himself up for maintenance days and has helped to keep the centre looking great, whatever the weather. 

Boo

Boo is our youngest team member and has been with us for just over a year. Boo is one of a kind and her enthusiasm is infectious. There is no task that Boo will not take on without a smile and her positive attitude is second to none! In terms of time keeping, reliability and work ethic, this young lady can't be faulted. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow in confidence and knowledge since starting at the KOA and we can’t wait to see what she can achieve.

Keara 

Keara is the youngest member of the KOA team. After coming along on an experience herself earlier in the year, Keara knew she wanted to start volunteering at the centre to spend some more time with her new feathered friends.  We have enjoyed watching Keara grow in confidence over her time with us and she has showcased her bravery, intelligence and ambition a little more every time she is in. We look forward to supporting Keara on her volunteer journey and                                                                          watching her continue to excel. 

Paul & Heidi 

Paul and Heidi are the KOA's ultimate handy couple. It's not always just about flying birds!

The kings of upcycling, these two can turn straw into gold and are responsible for building our shed and animal enclosures, all out of recycled goods! They will always find creative ways of making and fixing things at the centre, as well as coming up with new ideas and ways to make the place the best it could be. Two friendly faces that are always happy and full of positive energy.