At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and enrich the lives of rescued primates daily.
- Company: Join Monkey World, a leading primate rescue centre in Dorset.
- Benefits: Enjoy subsidised accommodation, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inspiring environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable primates while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: 1 year of primate care experience and strong knowledge of animal behaviour required.
The predicted salary is between 25541 - 25541 £ per year.
Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset.
Closing date for applications: 3rd Jul 2026.
Contact: Jayne Gray (hradmin@monkeyworld.org)
Sector: Animal Care | Type: Paid Contract | Full-time
Salary: Starting up to £25,541.02 (dependent on ability and experience)
About Us
Founded in 1987, Monkey World is home to over 240 primates of more than 25 different species. We assist governments worldwide to stop the smuggling, abuse, and neglect of primates. Many of our monkeys and apes have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, laboratories, and other abusive or neglectful captive pasts. Our 65‑acre woodland rescue and rehabilitation centre in Dorset provides sanctuary, expert care, and a second chance at life. We aim to deliver the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry in a safe and natural environment.
About The Roles
We are looking for a committed, passionate and experienced Primate Care Staff member for our ape sections. The ape team currently includes 50 chimpanzees in 4 communities, 16 orang‑utans in 3 groups, and 16 gibbons in 5 different species. Rescues and new arrivals are frequent and require focused early rehabilitation to meet each animal’s physical and psychological needs. We welcome applications from overseas candidates who already hold a Skilled Worker visa granted before 22 July 2025.
Key Responsibilities
- You will carry out the daily care, cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and health checks of primates, ensuring our high standards are met and maintained.
- Daily and strong communication with your team and section heads.
- High standards of visitor engagement, including delivering keeper talks confidently and professionally.
- Work according to our safety procedures and hands‑off protocols.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year’s experience in primate husbandry.
- Strong working knowledge of primate behaviour, health & safety requirements for staff and animals, and the ability to implement them.
- Ability to manage priorities.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be physically fit due to significant demands involving long periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
- Disciplined to work under potentially dangerous and stressful environments, according to protocols.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience working with chimpanzees, orang‑utans, gorillas, and/or gibbons.
- Experience of introductions of unfamiliar or related individuals.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in zoology, biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Knowledge and experience of operant conditioning.
- A positive outlook, enthusiasm and motivation.
- Experience with darting and gun teams.
Why Join Us?
- An inspiring environment – work at one of the world’s leading primate rescue centres, receiving primates from around the globe as well as from the UK pet trade.
- Contribute to the care and understanding of vulnerable species such as orphan orang‑utans rehabilitated in our Orang‑utan Creche, allowing them to grow up with others of their own kind and break the cycle of abandonment.
- Subsidised staff accommodation available for the first 12 months of employment (subject to availability).
- Staff assistance programme, holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks inclusive of public and bank holidays, company pension scheme, and a countryside working environment close to the Jurassic Coast and the historic county town of Dorchester.
Benefits
- Subsidised staff accommodation (first 12 months, subject to availability).
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks including public and bank holidays.
- Company pension scheme.
- Continued professional development offered and encouraged, including the possibility of educational and travel grants, subject to length of service.
Apply For This Job
If you’re ready to take the next step in your primate care career and want to lead with purpose and passion, we want to hear from you. Please send a covering letter and up‑to‑date CV to hradmin@monkeyworld.org.
Primate Care Staff – Ape Keepers employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
At Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the animal care sector, offering a unique opportunity to work with over 240 primates in a beautiful Dorset setting. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continued development opportunities and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare, while our subsidised accommodation and generous holiday entitlement ensure a rewarding work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable species and experience the fulfilment of working in a sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitation and conservation.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
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