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- Tasks: Care for exotic animals, deliver engaging talks, and ensure their wellbeing.
- Company: Welsh Mountain Zoo, a leader in conservation and animal care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, free zoo admission, and discounts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact on wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Work in stunning North Wales with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 26171 - 29171 £ per year.
Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoological Society of Wales, Wales. Closing date for applications is 10 February 2026. Contact: Georgia Hughes - HR Manager at Welsh Mountain Zoo (hr@welshmountainzoo.org).
Working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a committed, expert team united by a shared passion: Bringing Conservation to Life. For over 60 years, we’ve been caring for rare and endangered animal and plant species, engaging the public, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Now, as we enter an exciting period of growth and investment in our zoo, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Cover Keeper with an interest in marine mammals, animal training and presentations. You’ll work closely with our Head of Animals and Animal Team Leaders to ensure the highest standards of animal care and team coordination.
What You’ll Bring:- Practical experience working with a wide range of species in a zoo or wildlife park setting
- Strong understanding of science- and evidence-based husbandry, behaviour, enrichment, breeding, and welfare
- Confidence in monitoring animal health and behaviour, including accurate record keeping
- Knowledge and practical experience of positive reinforcement training
- Experience delivering engaging animal talks and demonstrations
- Working towards or holding a relevant qualification (e.g., Diploma or higher in Animal Management)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and unsupervised when required
- Physically able to carry out demanding tasks in all weather conditions
- Working towards/able to deploy firearms in emergency situations
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service
- Daily husbandry, feeding, and enrichment for a variety of exotic species
- Safe movement, catching, and restraint of animals
- Assisting with treatment and medication
- Cleaning and maintaining habitats to promote natural behaviours and breeding
- Monitoring and recording animal health and behaviour
- Delivering educational talks and demonstrations
- Positive reinforcement training with Californian sea lions and birds of prey
- Maintaining Life Support Systems for sea lion and penguin enclosures
- Supporting wider zoo operations as needed
- Working on a 7-day rota including weekends, bank holidays, and late lock-ups
- Completing all mandatory training and CPD
- Ensuring compliance with policies (Animal Welfare, GDPR, Health & Safety, etc.)
- Working in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales with amazing animals and a great team
- Training and development opportunities
- Free family admission to the Zoo
- Free admission to other zoos
- Free uniform and staff parking
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Discounts in food outlets and gift shops
- Holiday scheme increasing with service (up to 33 days*)
- Company sick pay*
- Pension scheme*
- 10% off Conwy Gym Membership After qualifying service
Apply now and help us Bring Conservation to Life. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, looking to take your next step, and excited to contribute to the future of a growing zoo, we’d love to hear from you. To Apply send an expression of interest (max 2 pages) and your CV to Hannah Slaney, Head of Animals. Your expression of interest should explain your motivation and how you meet the requirements set out in this advert. Closing date: 10 February 2026.
Animal Keeper employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Welsh Mountain Zoo before your interview! Research their conservation efforts and animal care practices. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your animal talks and demonstrations! Since you'll be delivering educational sessions, it’s crucial to showcase your communication skills. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family to get comfortable and receive feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff at the zoo. They can provide insider tips on what the team values most and what to expect during the hiring process. Plus, it’s a great way to make connections in the animal care community!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and passion for animal welfare to catch their eye.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your expression of interest, let your passion for animal care and conservation shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about this role and how it aligns with our mission at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for practical experience and a strong understanding of animal welfare, so don’t hold back on showcasing your background!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your expression of interest to a maximum of two pages, as requested. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so get straight to the point while covering all the key aspects of your experience and motivation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the species you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and any recent news about conservation efforts related to them. This shows your passion and commitment to animal care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your practical experience in animal husbandry and training. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully monitored animal health or delivered engaging talks. This will help demonstrate your hands-on skills and understanding of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to rehearse a short educational talk about an animal you love. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your ability to engage an audience.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the zoo's conservation efforts or team dynamics. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and the organisation's mission. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the zoo is the right fit for you.
