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- Tasks: Care for large mammals like elephants and rhinos, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Blair Drummond Safari Park, a top Scottish attraction focused on conservation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, staff discounts, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a fun, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of animal care experience and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends and special events, are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 25730 - 25730 £ per year.
- Animal Keeper – Large Mammal and Hoofstock
Animal Keeper – Large Mammal and Hoofstock
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Scotland, near Stirling Closing date for applications is: 25th Jul 2025
Job title:Animal Keeper – Large Mammals and Hoofstock
Location:Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, FK9 4UR
Salary:From £25,730 p.a.
Benefits:Generous Employer ContributionCompany Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, Annual Staff ‘Behind the Scenes Experience Voucher’, 24hr Employee Assistance Programme, 20% Staff Discount in Park, Free parking, Uniform, Support with Relocation (if required).
Working hours:40 hours per week (10 days in 14)
The Company
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park was opened to the public in 1970 and was, at the time, one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. The Park has a strong focus on conservation, education, and the local community. We also run a successful fundraising program for conservation “link to the wild”.
We are currently looking for an experienced and confident animal keeper to join our team working with our Large Mammals and Hoofstock species. This position is offered on a full time, permanent basis.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity working as part of a team with primary responsibility for the management and welfare of our African Savannah Elephant, Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebra, Ostrich and an extensive range of ungulate species that are managed in our drive through sections of the Park.
Your duties will include, although not limited to:
- Deliver the highest standards of animal welfare, including monitoring health, welfare, and general wellbeing.
- Manage all day-to-day tasks, including maintenance, cleaning food preparation & distribution and feeding.
- Plan and order animal food deliveries. Be responsible for ensuring correct quantities, quantity and type is provided for each animal and stored correctly.
- Responsible for maintaining the section and animal accommodation in a clean, safe & tidy condition.
- Liaise with the vet on any given day regarding any animal health issues, following any instructions of medication and care requirements.
- Dose animal medication as per vet\’s instructions.
- Maintaining all documentation relating to welfare standards.
- Monitor diets against the condition of animals and life stages.
- Responsible for all daily record keeping, preparing all relevant documentation relating to animal welfare and husbandry.
- Identifying potential routine/behaviour problems as and when they occur, working closely with colleagues to implement solutions.
- Protected contact training. Using positive reinforcement training to gain access to animals for blood draws, foot work, treatment of injuries, etc.
- Mucking out of enclosures and animal buildings – maintaining all areas to a high standard, having an eye for detail, and taking pride in the department’s appearance.
- Assisting with the department’s programme of enrichment
- Promote a positive attitude within your team.
The successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry and welfare for the animals on the department. They must have keen observation skills and be focused on making a positive contribution to the department as a whole. It’s essential that they are self-motivated and capable of independent work, while at the same time be comfortable working within a team in a supportive and positive manner. They must be pro-active and take a hands-on approach within the department including some groundwork and maintenance and with an eye for detail and presentation.
The candidate must have an interest and some knowledge of managing mixed groups of large ungulate species and their complex individual requirements.
Weekend, bank holiday working and flexibility in working hours is essential to this role. Some evening workwill be required during special events throughout the year.
Ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff and animals is of key importance and ensuring that health & safety protocols are followed at all times.
Animal care experience in a similar setting– minimum 2 years
Animal related qualification to HND level or above.
Demonstrable experience of providing species appropriate environments and enrichment
Demonstrable operant conditioning experience
Physically fit and hardworking
Excellent observational skills
Self-motivated and pro-active
Demonstrable experience of following safe working protocols
A current full driving licence
Experience of working with Large Mammal and ungulate species
The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA)
Demonstrable experience of implementing training programmes, with emphasis on dealing with stereotypic behaviours
Experience operating heavy plant and undertaking maintenance.
Apply for this job:
Please apply via our Careers Page using the following Link
We will be reviewing candidates on a rolling basis, and we will contact shortlisted candidates directly. Interviews will be held in August 2025. First round may be virtual to limit travel, followed by a trial day on site for short-listed candidates.
Follow Us
BIAZA, Regent\’s Park, London, NW1 4RY
BIAZA\’s office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.
If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)
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Animal Keeper - Large Mammal and Hoofstock employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper - Large Mammal and Hoofstock
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific species you'll be working with, such as African Savannah Elephants and Southern White Rhinos. Understanding their behaviours, dietary needs, and welfare requirements will show your passion and preparedness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry or related fields. Volunteering at local zoos or wildlife parks can provide you with practical skills and demonstrate your commitment to animal care, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field. Attend workshops, seminars, or events related to animal care and conservation. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and potential job referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising responses to common questions about animal welfare and management. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper - Large Mammal and Hoofstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal care, particularly with large mammals and hoofstock. Include specific examples of your responsibilities and achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and conservation. Mention your understanding of the specific needs of large ungulate species and how your skills align with the role at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list any animal-related qualifications you possess, such as HND level or above, and any zoo animal management qualifications. This will demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your observational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and experience with operant conditioning. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented training programmes or dealt with animal behaviour issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and commitment to their welfare. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your dedication to animal care and how you prioritise their wellbeing.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous roles in animal care, especially with large mammals and ungulates. Be prepared to talk about specific tasks you've handled, such as feeding, health monitoring, and training, to showcase your hands-on experience.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you contributed positively to a team environment or resolved conflicts, showing that you can work well with others.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios related to animal care during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as an animal's health issue or a behavioural problem, and be ready to explain your thought process.
