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- Tasks: Join our Elephant team to ensure animal welfare and engage with visitors daily.
- Company: ZSL is a leading conservation charity dedicated to preventing wildlife extinction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Why this job: Work with amazing animals while contributing to vital conservation efforts in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and practical experience in animal care.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 19900 - 25000 £ per year.
ZSL – Whipsnade Zoo
East Midlands Closing date for applications is: 9th Sep 2025
Contact: ZSL Recruitment Team (recruitment@zsl.org) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £24,990
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.
The ZSL Zoos operate 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays). This position is offered as a 12-month fixed term maternity cover.
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.
- You\’re 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
Our vision and mission
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. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- 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 eligibly 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
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
It’s important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
Apply For This Job
Please apply via our website
Zookeeper – Elephants in Whipsnade Zoo – ZSL #J-18808-Ljbffr
Zookeeper - Elephants 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 - Elephants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of elephants. Understanding their social structures, dietary requirements, and enrichment activities will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for animal care.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at local zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. This practical exposure will enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of animal care. Attend workshops, seminars, or conservation events where you can meet zookeepers and conservationists. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and research in animal husbandry and conservation. Being knowledgeable about current practices and innovations will set you apart from other candidates and show your dedication to continuous learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Elephants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any practical work with animals. Include details about your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or DMZAA, and any specific skills that relate to animal care and husbandry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention why you want to work specifically with elephants and how your background aligns with ZSL's mission. Be sure to include examples of your initiative and teamwork.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any hands-on experience you've had in a zoo or aquarium setting. Discuss specific tasks you've performed, such as food preparation, hygiene maintenance, or animal observation, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in the animal care sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and conservation during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals, especially elephants, and how they have shaped your desire to work in this field.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with ZSL's mission and the specific needs of elephants. Be prepared to discuss animal husbandry practices, enrichment techniques, and any relevant qualifications you possess, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As a Zookeeper, you'll be part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, particularly in challenging situations. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and ZSL's conservation efforts. This shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
