Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
ZZSL
ZSLZoological Parks

Zookeeper - Primates and Small Mammals

Location

Whipsnade, East Midlands, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

£26.6K - £26.6K per year

Posted

5h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This role involves caring for a diverse range of primate and small mammal species at Whipsnade Zoo, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry. The Zookeeper will actively participate in enrichment and training programs, contribute to engaging visitor experiences, and support daily care and conservation efforts.

Purpose of the role

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper within the Primates and Small Mammals section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo. This exciting opportunity involves caring for an incredible range of species, including Chimpanzees, Sulawesi Crested Macaques, Francois Langurs, Aardvark, Anoa and Red Pandas.

As a vital team member, you will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, play an active role in enrichment and training programmes, and help create engaging experiences for visitors. You will work closely with the section manager, team leader, and colleagues, supporting all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.

This role is offered on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time.

Key responsibilities:

  • Food Preparation: Preparation of approved diets and carrying out feeding procedures.

  • Hygiene and Cleaning: Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.

  • Husbandry and Enrichment: Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.

  • Animal Observation: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.

About You

  • Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or an equivalent qualification.

  • Practical experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium, ideally managing exotic species.

  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.

  • Demonstrates initiative and a proactive, sustainable approach to completing tasks that benefit the department, maximising productivity and efficiency.

  • Can work effectively both as part of a team and independently to carry out section tasks.

  • Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a diligent work ethic.

  • Holds a full, valid UK Driving Licence.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

What We Offer?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Up to 12% contributory pension

  • Flexible working options

  • 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service

  • Enhanced family-friendly policies

  • Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)

  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

  • Access to our staff Equality Networks

  • Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts

  • Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

Updated 5h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Welfare • 1+ yrs
Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Programs • 1+ yrs
Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs
Initiative • 1+ yrs
Punctuality • 1+ yrs
Diligence • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme • Required
Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) • Required
UK Driving Licence • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

£26.6K - £26.6K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyGBP
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationWhipsnade, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium6/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveMedium6/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium5/10
communicationMedium6/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

ZSL

Team size

Growing team

Location

Whipsnade, East Midlands, United Kingdom

ZSL is an international conservation charity. Through its two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), pioneering scientists, and dedicated conservationists, ZSL aims to inspire, inform, and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. Their vision is a world where wildlife thrives.

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Zookeeper - Primates and Small Mammals

Whipsnade, East Midlands, United KingdomFull Time