Giselle Quill-Tot and Alyssa Goodger (pictured) completed a placement with Reptile Encounters, gaining valuable hands-on experience in an engaging and interactive learning environment.
Giselle Quill-Tot still remembers the first time she met the team from Reptile Encounters – during a primary school incursion that brought snakes, lizards and other native animals into her classroom. More than a decade later, she found herself on the other side of the experience – completing a hands-on placement with the very organisation that first sparked her interest.
Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at La Trobe University, Giselle is aiming to continue into veterinary medicine. “My main interest is biology and biochemistry and how that applies to animals and the environment,” she says.
Her placement with the Melbourne-based wildlife education organisation offered a rare opportunity to put that knowledge into practice. “I definitely want to work with exotic pets or wildlife – and I learned a lot about how to handle and care for them.”
Across her 70-hour placement, Giselle worked closely with the animal care team on daily husbandry tasks, including preparing food, cleaning enclosures and monitoring animal wellbeing. She particularly valued learning how to distinguish signs of illness from natural behaviours – such as seasonal hibernation in reptiles – and gaining confidence around a variety of species.
The experience, she says, confirmed her career goals and gave her practical insights she couldn’t get from lectures alone. “It was fun, hands-on, and I learned so much – I’d definitely recommend it,” she says.
When I started three years ago, we had the occasional La Trobe student. Now we have a steady stream – and the University has really refined the process, which makes things easier for us.
Feeding the future
Reptile Encounters has hosted La Trobe students on placement for more than a decade. Education Manager Catherine Mallia says the partnership has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through La Trobe’s mid-year and summer intakes.
“When I started three years ago, we had the occasional La Trobe student. Now we have a steady stream – and the University has really refined the process, which makes things easier for us,” she says.
Students typically complete placements of either 70 or 100 hours. They begin with day-to-day husbandry – feeding, food preparation, cleaning enclosures and maintaining water supplies for animals ranging from snakes and lizards to mammals and birds.
“They learn what we call the ‘lizards round’ or the ‘feathers and fur round’,” says Catherine. “There are lots of vegetables to chop – it’s a big part of caring for our animals properly.”
As students settle in, they may be invited to assist with animal enrichment or handling, depending on their confidence and interests. “We always ask what they’re comfortable with. For example, some love snakes, others steer clear. We work with that,” Catherine says.
Giselle was one of the snake enthusiasts – a standout moment for her was helping during a venomous snake feeding session. “They explained all the safety protocols, and I even got to help – it was really interesting and fun to see,” she says. “I wasn’t nervous, just excited to see how it works.”
Win-win for wildlife
While the benefits for students are clear, Catherine says Reptile Encounters gains just as much from the partnership.
“At first, we weren’t sure if we had the capacity to supervise and mentor students,” she says. “But we realised that our mission is to engage people with Australian wildlife – and that includes future professionals.
“Every student that comes through is one more person who cares about reptiles – or learns about animals they’ve never heard of,” she adds.
Students also bring energy, curiosity and fresh thinking. “They ask great questions. Our staff enjoy hearing where students are at in their studies and what they’re planning to do – it becomes a bit of a mentoring loop,” says Catherine.
The placements are also practical. “We’re there 365 days a year. With so many animals to care for, extra hands make a real difference,” she says.
Many students stay on to volunteer after their placement ends, making the transition seamless. “They already know the routines and expectations. It builds community and continuity.”
Catherine encourages other organisations to consider similar partnerships. “Start small – one or two students – and get your systems in place,” she says. “The return is absolutely worth it.”
If you represent an organisation interested in engaging with La Trobe University’s student placement program, connect with La Trobe Talent. Email latrobetalent@latrobe.edu.au or submit an Expression of Interest Form.
La Trobe Talent provides support throughout the placement process - from developing a tailored placement description to promoting the opportunity to students and finalising the agreement.
For broader industry engagement enquiries, please contact industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au.
