Lead Keeper - Predators and Primates

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Habitat Lead Keeper within the Predators and Primates Section at ZSL London Zoo. 

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced keeper with demonstrable experience working with predators and or primates, alongside a strong practical aptitude for species-led habitat design, environmental management, and enclosure development. 

The position focuses on providing technical guidance, mentoring, and practical support to the keeper team in all aspects of habitat design, construction, and maintenance. Alongside these responsibilities, the successful candidate will continue to undertake full daily keeper husbandry duties, contributing directly to animal care, welfare monitoring, enrichment delivery, and routine operational requirements within the section. Rather than holding direct line-management responsibility, the Habitat Lead Keeper provides guidance, supporting colleagues while ensuring habitats meet behavioural, welfare, and environmental requirements informed by current research. 

Working under the direction of the Section Manager, you will oversee the habitat design components of operational delivery, ensuring Environmental Management Plans remain current, evidence-based, and effectively implemented across the section. 

The role combines advanced husbandry knowledge, practical ability, and collaborative working to enhance animal welfare outcomes and support an immersive visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Habitat Design Oversight: Support delivery of enclosure design priorities alongside the Section Manager and Habitat Design Officer.
• Technical Mentoring & Keeper Support: Mentor and support colleagues in developing confidence and competence in habitat-related work.
• Environmental Management: Monitor and advise on Environmental Management Plans including temperature gradients, UV provision, substrates, and environmental complexity.
• Operational Support: Assume broader section management responsibilities only in the absence of designated people managers when required. 

• Significant practical experience working with predators and or primates within a zoological setting.
• Strong practical capability and genuine enthusiasm for species-focused habitat design and environmental management.
• Qualification in Zoo Animal Management or equivalent experience.
• Proven hands-on experience in habitat construction and refurbishment. 
• Ability to interpret and apply research to environmental management and habitat design.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in a zoological environment.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload while supporting collaborative team delivery. 

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. 

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. 

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