Zookeeper - Predators and Primates

ZSL is looking for a dedicated Zoo Keeper to join the Predator and Primate section at London Zoo. This exciting role involves the day-to-day care and husbandry of a diverse and captivating collection, including Asiatic lions, African wild dogs, Sumatran tigers, Asian short-clawed otters, Indian mongoose, western lowland gorillas, and a range of smaller Old and New World primates.

We are seeking someone with a genuine passion for working with a wide variety of species in a zoo environment, and proven experience with high-security animals is essential. As a Zookeeper you will uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, contribute to enclosure maintenance and redevelopment, support training and enrichment programmes, and value the importance of meticulous daily observations, clear communication, and accurate record-keeping.

ZSL’s zoos operate 7 days a week. This position is offered at 37.5 hours per week, worked across a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays. 

 Key responsibilities:  

• Animal Monitoring: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals, and promptly report any issues to the Team Leader or Section Manager, including defects or repairs needed to enclosures and notifying relevant departments.
• Training and Enrichment: Assist in developing and implementing training and enrichment programmes on a regular basis.
• Animal Welfare: Adhere to the highest industry standards of zoo husbandry and welfare.
• Exhibit Maintenance: Clean and maintain exhibits and other designated areas.
• Feeding and Nutrition: Assist with the preparation of approved diets and carry out correct feeding procedures.
• Public Engagement: Be actively involved in engaging with visitors, including delivering talks and demonstrations.
• Walkthrough Supervision: Supervise walkthroughs with primate species when required.
• Safe Working Practices: Work in a responsible, safe, and efficient manner around high-security animals.

• Qualified in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in the DMZAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
• Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of exotic species.
• Have strong attention to detail and safe working practices with high security CAT1A species.
• Passion to work on evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.
• A reliable and positive influence on section and who works well in a team environment.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:  

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension. 
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages