An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of a Assistant Zookeeper within the Predator section at Whipsnade Zoo, comprising of a wide range of predatory mammals including Amur Tiger, African Wild Dogs, European Brown Bears, North African Lions, Wolverine, Northern Cheetah and more. The section has an array of exciting species to work with.
As an Assistant Zookeeper, you will work alongside our animal teams to help deliver exceptional animal husbandry and welfare, following industry leading best practice. You will be hands-on in caring for a wide range of incredible species while also contributing to meaningful visitor engagement that inspires a love for wildlife. You will follow department specific protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of animal care across our zoos. This is a great opportunity to support ZSL’s mission and make a real difference every day.
ZSL’s zoos operate 7 days a week. This position is offered at 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Animal Care: Support keepers with daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning enclosures, sourcing and preparing browse, feeding animals, and monitoring and reporting their health and behaviour.
- Training & Enrichment: Assist in the development and delivery of animal training and enrichment programmes to promote natural behaviours and welfare.
- Record Keeping: Help maintain accurate animal records, including data entry into ZIMS and regular communication with keeping staff to ensure information is shared effectively.
- Visitor Engagement: Enhance visitor experiences by answering questions in a friendly and helpful manner, and act as a point of contact in walk-through exhibits.
- Health & Safety: Follow all relevant safe systems of work, risk assessments, and emergency procedures, while promoting ZSL’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.