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- Tasks: Care for amazing animals like giraffes and rhinos while creating unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join the team at Chessington World of Adventures, Britain's biggest wildlife theme park!
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour with discounts on shopping, dining, and travel.
- Why this job: Dive into a fun, fast-paced environment and make a real impact on animal care.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals, teamwork skills, and an animal-based qualification preferred.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and 20 free tickets to Merlin attractions worldwide!
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey. Closing date for applications is: 14th Mar 2026. Contact: Jorge Harrow (Jorge.Harrow@MerlinEntertainments.biz). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid. Contract type: Part-time. Salary: £12.21 per hour. Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE. Hours: Fixed term contract to 15th November 2026.
Please note we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of quality applications. We would therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Are you passionate about creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, fun environment? Then we want YOU to be part of our team. Leave the everyday behind and unleash your imagination as you explore a career at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park. Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are gearing up for our 2026 Season and we are looking for Seasonal Hoofstock Keepers to join the team!
To support our experienced keepers, you will be delivering the highest standards of animal husbandry for a wide range of species in the Hoofstock Section which include Giraffes, Rhinos, zebras and many more.
Day To Day This Role Will Include:
- Becoming proficient in the care and husbandry of species assigned to the Hoofstock Section.
- Maintain records and documentation pertaining to the animals in your care; liaising with the Zoo Supervisor to keep animal records up-to-date.
- Deliver amazing guest experiences as required including VIP experiences and keeper talks.
- Support the wider Resort operation in the delivery of Merlin and Chessington’s business objectives.
- Comply with and adhere to all relevant health and safety procedures and protocols in line with legal and company requirements.
- Planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care.
- Using positive reinforcement; training a wide variety of species for husbandry behaviours.
- Support the goals of the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF), Merlin’s Magic Wand (MMW) and the Sea Life Trust; assisting and supporting with fundraising events.
- Participate in education, research and conservation projects where applicable.
Qualification & Experience:
We need you to come with the right positive attitude, enjoy working as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, and be able to deliver jaw dropping fun to our Guests! Our ideal candidate will have completed or be working towards an animal-based qualification and have previous experience working in animal care. You will be a clear confident public speaker with the ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations confidently and professionally. You will be hard-working, adaptable and reliable. You will have passion and excitement for your chosen field, with a keen drive to develop your career as an animal keeper. Full clean UK driving license is required.
Benefits:
- A competitive hourly rate.
- Access to Merlin benefits page with discounts on over 1000 fashion and electronic retailers, restaurants, and travel.
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants.
- 40% discount on Lego.
- Merlin Magic Pass – 20 free tickets for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Please click on the link below to apply: Apply Here
Seasonal Hoofstock 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 Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Chessington World of Adventures. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be delivering keeper talks and engaging with guests, it’s crucial to be confident and clear. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for animal care! During interviews, share specific experiences that highlight your love for animals and any relevant qualifications. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website ASAP! With the closing date approaching, don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are of landing an interview. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are eager to join us!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore Chessington World of Adventures and what we stand for. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with our team!
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! Share any relevant experiences or qualifications that highlight your love for working with animals and how you can contribute to creating memorable experiences for our guests.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This makes it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper role!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close applications early if we get a lot of quality candidates, so make sure you apply through our website as soon as you can to secure your chance!
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 hoofstock species like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Being able to discuss their care and husbandry will show your passion and expertise, which is exactly what they’re looking for!
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to talk about any previous animal care experience you have. Whether it’s volunteering at a local zoo or working with animals in another capacity, share specific examples that highlight your skills and dedication.
✨Practice Your Public Speaking
Since you'll be delivering keeper talks and presentations, practice speaking confidently about animals. You might even want to prepare a short talk about one of the hoofstock species to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability
This role requires working in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you thrive in team settings and adapt to changing situations. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.