Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Elephant team to care for and enrich the lives of these magnificent animals.
- Company: ZSL is a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting wildlife and inspiring others.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and complimentary zoo tickets as part of your perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a vibrant, passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and practical experience in animal care.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
ZSL – Whipsnade Zoo
East Midlands Closing date for applications is: 9th Sep 2025
ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeperto join our Elephant teamat Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK\’s largest zoo\’s nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.This is a unique opportunity to work with incredible animals, support their wellbeing, and engage with visitors, bringing the wonders of the natural world to life.
As a vital team member, you will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, play an active role in enrichment and training programmes, and help create engaging experiences for visitors. You will work closely with the section manager, team leader, and colleagues, supporting all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.
The ZSL Zoos operate 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays). This position is offered as a 12-month fixed term maternity cover.
Key responsibilities:
- Food Preparation:Preparation of approved diets and the carrying out of feeding procedures.
- Hygiene and Cleaning:Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.
- Husbandry and Enrichment:Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
- Animal Observation:Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.
About You
- Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or an equivalent qualification.
- Practical experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium.
- You\’re comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.
- Demonstrates initiative and a proactive, sustainable approach to completing tasks that benefit the department, maximising productivity and efficiency.
- Can work effectively both as part of a team and independently to carry out section tasks.
- Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a diligent work ethic.
- Hold a full, valid UK Driving Licence.
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
Our vision and mission
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 holidaysWellbeing – 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
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
It’s important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
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)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Zookeeper - Elephants 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 Zookeeper - Elephants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of elephants. Understanding their social structures, dietary requirements, and enrichment activities will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former zookeepers, especially those who have worked with elephants. They can provide invaluable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can help you prepare better for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Volunteer at local zoos or wildlife sanctuaries to gain hands-on experience. This practical exposure will enhance your understanding of animal care and welfare, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on conservation efforts related to elephants and the broader wildlife community. Being knowledgeable about current issues and initiatives can demonstrate your commitment to the mission of ZSL and the role of a zookeeper.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Elephants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any practical work with animals. Emphasise your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or DMZAA, and any specific skills related to animal husbandry and welfare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in a team and independently, as well as your proactive approach to tasks.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills that align with the job description, such as food preparation, hygiene maintenance, and animal observation. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Show Your Commitment to Conservation: Express your enthusiasm for ZSL's mission and values in your application. Discuss any previous involvement in conservation efforts or initiatives that reflect your dedication to wildlife preservation and education.
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 during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animal care, especially with elephants or similar species, to demonstrate your dedication.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals. Emphasise how these qualifications have equipped you with the skills necessary for the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
ZSL values both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, as well as instances where you took initiative on your own.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios related to animal care, feeding procedures, and hygiene standards. Think through how you would handle various situations, and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making skills.
