Zookeeper - Predators in London

Overview

Join to apply for the Zookeeper - Predators role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

ZSL - Whipsnade Zoo, East Midlands

Closing date for applications: 19th Sep 2025.

Contact: ZSL Recruitment Team (recruitment@zsl.org). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid. Contract type: Part-time. Salary: £14,660.

Purpose of the role

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper within the Predator section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK\\\'s largest zoos nestled in the Chiltern Hills. This role involves caring for a range of mammals, including African lions, Amur tigers, African wild dogs, brown bears, Northern cheetah, lynx, wolverine and short-clawed otters. You will contribute to the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, participate 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 daily care and conservation efforts for these species. This role is offered as a part-time position, working 22 hours a week.

Key responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Preparation of approved diets and carrying out 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 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 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, ideally managing exotic species.
• 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.
• Has 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 diversity. ZSL is committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without discrimination. We have active equality networks for staff with lived experience and allies in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our experts at two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), scientists, and 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 work to achieve this by investigating health threats, helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, and bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What we offer

• Vision and purpose: work alongside colleagues passionate about science-led conservation.
• Pension scheme: up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working: we will consider flexible working requirements.
• Holidays: 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing: access to wellbeing initiatives and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance: eligible employees enrolled from first day.
• Complimentary tickets: annual Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in shops.
• Cycle2Work: cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loan: interest-free loan for travel to work (London-based).
• Family-friendly policies: enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

NB: We reserve the right to close the advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate is found.

Apply for this job

Please apply via our website: Zookeeper - Predators in Whipsnade Zoo - ZSL