MANY young animal lovers would list becoming a zoo keeper as one of their top career ambitions — and 19-year-old Duchy College student Stacey Perkins is now one step closer to achieving this, after securing a coveted volunteering role at Paignton Zoo. Stacey, who lives in Bere Alston, has beaten off tough competition from other animal enthusiasts to land an opportunity caring for the avian species at Paignton Zoo. Stacey said: 'I can't put into words how lucky I feel to have been given this role. 'I burst into tears when I found out, I was so happy. I have always wanted to work at Paignton Zoo, it's incredible, and I've finally got there.' As part of the animal management course Stacey is currently studying at Duchy College, she has to complete zoo modules which involve both theory and practical work. Her knowledge helped her in the application process at Paignton Zoo, which involved an interview at which she had to demonstrate her knowledge of birds and her commitment to working with animals. Within a few weeks of starting, Stacey had impressed her co-workers so much that she was offered additional hours doing the bird displays at the zoo. She added: 'Being able to do the bird displays is much more than I expected and I am so grateful to the staff for giving me this opportunity. 'I would love to be a zoo keeper one day, that's all I've ever wanted to do since my first visit to a zoo.' Bea Hawker, animal management course manager, said: 'Stacey has done incredibly well, progressing from the level one course right the way through. 'Although she had very little confidence when she first started at Duchy College, she has always been an enthusiastic student and it's great that she's now getting the chance to do what she's always wanted to.' Head of Duchy College, Andrew Counsell, said: 'Stacey is a shining example that if you put the effort in and keep your eye out for opportunities, you can achieve your ambitions. 'She thoroughly deserves this volunteering role at Paignton Zoo and I wish her every success with it and with her future career.'