Hobbledown
South East Closing date for applications is: 13th Oct 2026
Contact: Lucy White ( ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £10.85- £12.71 per hour
We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Zoo Team Member to join the team at Hobbledown Epsom , one of our flagship attractions. You’ll have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Animal Care (or equivalent) and a minimum of one years experience (paid or volunteering) in a relevant animal role.
Your primary responsibility will be to support the safe and efficient delivery of the daily farm and zoo operations — ensuring exceptional animal welfare, engaging guest experiences, and the smooth running of our animal department.
You will carry out hands‑on keeper duties with a variety of species, taking responsibility for all aspects of animal care including daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and training — always following strict safety protocols and operational procedures.
You’ll also be part of delivering our popular public talks, educational sessions, and close‑up animal experiences such as Junior Zookeeper for a Day, meet‑and‑greets, and supervised walkthroughs.
Main Responsibilities
- Animal Husbandry & Guest Experiences
- Daily care, cleaning, and feeding of assigned animals and enclosures.
- Diet preparation and feeding as per written diet sheets, delivering enrichment and training under the direction of the Zoo Duty Manager and the Zoo operations and Collections Manager
- Monitoring animal behaviour, health, and welfare, reporting any issues promptly.
- Assisting with animal movement, training, and handling.
- Delivering engaging educational talks, workshops, and experiences for guests.
- Maintaining exhibits and completing all checks in line with Zoo Licensing requirements.
- Customer Service
- Act as a positive point of contact for visitors, providing directions, answering questions, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Report guest feedback, complaints, or incidents to the Zoo Duty Manager or Zoo Operations and Collections Manager.
- Handle visitor queries professionally, escalating when necessary.
- Follow procedures for accidents or first aid incidents.
- Presentation & Standards
- Keep enclosures clean and well‑presented at all times.
- Maintain the cleanliness of public areas linked to the animal section.
- Safely dispose of animal waste and follow COSHH guidelines for cleaning materials.
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Complete all opening and closing checklists.
- Prepare and deliver diets, and clean enclosures following approved protocols.
- Carry out any tasks as directed by the zoo leadership team
- Health & Safety
- Follow company Health & Safety policies and safe working practices.
- Report hazards, accidents, or near misses immediately.
- Maintain hygiene standards in all work areas.
- Performance & Training
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
- Take part in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
- Work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly with colleagues across all departments.
Key Performance Indicators
- Guest feedback and online reviews (TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google).
- Zoo inspections and audits.
- Opening & closing checklist compliance.
Profile
- Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or equivalent qualification, or comparable paid experience in a zoo or farm park setting.
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and guest engagement.
- Must be able to work weekends and school holidays.
About Us
Escapade Group Limited operates the ultimate indoor and outdoor adventure parks. Currently home to three exciting brands — Hobbledown, Kidspace and Gripped — across five UK sites, the business has ambitious plans for continued growth and expansion.
Our portfolio includes Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park & Zoo in Epsom, Hobbledown Heath alongside Gripped, the South’s best adrenaline park, and two incredible Kidspace indoor play and party venues in Croydon and Romford, Watermouth castle and Farmer Teds adventure park.
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Zoo Team Member in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer that values the passion and dedication of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and professional growth are at the forefront. Located in the picturesque Surrey countryside, employees benefit from a vibrant environment that fosters learning and development, alongside opportunities to engage with a diverse animal collection. With a commitment to high standards of animal welfare and education, Activate Learning provides a meaningful and rewarding career for those looking to make a difference in the animal industry.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
