RECRUITERS at Colchester Zoo are today taking steps to avoid a repeat of the chaos created by jobseekers at another zoo recently.

RECRUITERS at Colchester Zoo are today taking steps to avoid a repeat of the chaos created by jobseekers at another zoo recently.

Up to 30 short-term jobs are currently up for grabs at the zoo in retail, catering, play areas and ground staff.

But when Twycross Zoo in Warwickshire held an open recruitment day last month it caused more than 3,000 hopefuls to turn up.

The mayhem caused three-mile tailbacks on the nearby A444 as the applicants jostled for 150 peak season vacancies.

Colchester Zoo is now in a similar search but bosses this year are making everyone apply online first before they are invited for an interview on March 21.

Alex Downing, business development director, said: “We are doing it a different way. We are hoping to get a significant number of applications, but all need to be done in advance.”

Applicants must be 16 or over and entry forms must be received by next Tuesday. All successful applicants will be notified by e-mail.

To apply, go to www.colchester-zoo.co.uk