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- Tasks: Join our team as a Zookeeper, caring for amazing deer and antelope species.
- Company: ZSL is a leading conservation charity dedicated to preventing wildlife extinction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at our zoos.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while engaging with visitors and animals daily.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and practical experience with zoo animals.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role
An exciting opportunity is now available to join the Deer and Antelope section at Whipsnade Zoo as a Zoo Keeper. You\’ll become a valued member of a dedicated and experienced team, passionate about the care, welfare, and management of a diverse range of ungulates.
The section is home to large breeding herds, including some of the world’s most remarkable and endangered species such as the Indochinese sika deer (extinct in the wild), Père David’s deer, White-lipped deer, and Michie’s tufted deer. It also includes species managed under the European Endangered Species Programmes, including Scimitar-horned oryx, Visayan warty pigs, Przewalski’s horses, and Barasingha. Additional residents include Wild boar, Bactrian camels, and Yak.
The team is committed to continuous improvement, high standards of welfare, and active contribution to global conservation through breeding and husbandry excellence.
- Animal Care & Welfare:Support the preparation of approved diets and feeding procedures, maintain high standards of hygiene in enclosures, and assist with the delivery of enrichment and training programmes to support animal wellbeing.
- Health Monitoring:Observe animal behaviour, health, and security daily, administering veterinary treatments as directed and promptly reporting concerns to Lead Keepers or Section Managers.
- Record Keeping:Accurately input data into daily records, ZIMS, and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and animal management protocols.
- Visitor Engagement:Help create a positive and educational visitor experience by engaging with the public in a friendly and informative manner.
- Collaboration & Conservation:Work closely with the curatorial, veterinary, and research teams to support conservation goals and uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion standards in all aspects of your work.
About You
- Successful completion of the Zookeeper and Aquarist ApprenticeshipProgramme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals(DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent).
- Practical experience of working with animals in a Zoo or aquarium (preferably hoof-stock in a zoological or similar setting).
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completingtasks beneficial to the section/department.
- Ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations.
- Demonstrates respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy, and diligentbehaviour
- Capable of supporting volunteers, apprentices, students, and colleagues asrequested.
- Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving license as an essential requirement.
- This role is physically demanding and involves long periods of standing, walking, lifting, and other manual tasks. It requires working outdoors in all weather conditions as well as indoors in environments with artificially high temperatures, with regular direct exposure to animals.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate\’s right to work in the UK.
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.
About Us
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
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Zookeeper - Deer and Antelope employer: Zoological Society of London
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Zookeeper - Deer and Antelope
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific species mentioned in the job description, such as the Indochinese sika deer and Scimitar-horned oryx. Understanding their behaviours, habitats, and conservation status will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current zookeepers or professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any advice they might have for someone looking to join the Deer and Antelope section at Whipsnade Zoo.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience with hoof-stock animals. Be ready to share specific examples of your hands-on work, including any relevant training or enrichment programmes you've been involved in, as this will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing a short presentation or talk about a relevant topic related to animal care or conservation. This will highlight your ability to engage with visitors and contribute positively to the educational aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Deer and Antelope
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any practical work with ungulates or similar animals. Emphasise your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or DMZAA.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with the public and support conservation goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline skills that are essential for the role, such as health monitoring, record keeping, and visitor engagement. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate these skills.
Show Your Commitment to Conservation: Express your dedication to wildlife conservation and how you align with ZSL's mission. Mention any previous involvement in conservation efforts or initiatives that reflect your commitment to protecting endangered species.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨Know Your Ungulates
Familiarise yourself with the specific species you'll be working with, such as the Indochinese sika deer and Scimitar-horned oryx. Understanding their behaviours, diets, and conservation status will show your passion and commitment to animal welfare.
✨Demonstrate Practical Experience
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with animals, especially hoof-stock. Share specific examples of your previous roles or training that highlight your skills in animal care and management.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience
Think about how you can contribute to visitor engagement. Prepare to discuss ideas for keeper talks or educational presentations that could enhance the public's understanding of the animals and conservation efforts.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive work environment. Highlight any instances where you've helped others or taken initiative.
