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- Tasks: Care for over 70 species and ensure their wellbeing in a vibrant zoo environment.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Tilgate Zoo, a top tourist attraction.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discounts, and wellbeing incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and conservation while working with exotic species.
- Qualifications: A Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or equivalent is preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and opportunities for career growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 29282 - 35000 £ per year.
ZSL – Whipsnade Zoo
Closing date for applications: 26th Nov 2025
Contact: ZSL Recruitment Team (recruitment@zsl.org)
Purpose of the role
ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper to join our Elephant team at 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.
Whipsnade Zoo operates 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays).
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.
- 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
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.
What do we offer?
- 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 holidays.
- Wellbeing – 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 eligible 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.
We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
Apply via our website: Zookeeper in Whipsnade Zoo – ZSL
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Zookeeper 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 Zookeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo! Before your interview, spend some time researching Tilgate Zoo and its unique features. Familiarise yourself with the animals they care for and any recent news or conservation efforts. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former zookeepers on LinkedIn or at local animal care events. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it’s a great way to get your name out there in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on questions! Be ready to discuss your experience with animal husbandry and how you would handle specific situations. Think about examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and passion for animal care.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to complete your application online as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are of landing that dream job at Tilgate Zoo. Don’t forget to double-check your references and cover any employment gaps!
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you have with animal care or conservation, and make sure to highlight why you want to work at Tilgate Zoo specifically.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Make sure to tailor your responses to the job description. Mention specific species you’re excited to work with and how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the ad.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we want to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on the species you'll be working with at Tilgate Zoo. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a zookeeper, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Conservation
Tilgate Zoo values conservation efforts, so come ready to talk about any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it's volunteering, education, or personal projects, showing your dedication to wildlife conservation can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the zoo's operations, future projects, or animal care practices. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the zoo's mission and how you can contribute to it.
