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
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
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
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
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 Kingdom • Full Time