Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for amazing animals like lions and gorillas while ensuring their wellbeing.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to animal welfare and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while working in a vibrant team culture.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications or experience in animal management and a passion for wildlife.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with weekend shifts; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our teams.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
ZSL – London Zoo
South East Closing date for applications is: 27th Aug 2025
Contact: Recruitment Team (recruitment@zsl.org) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £27,300 per annum
Purpose Of The Role
ZSL is looking for a dedicated Zoo Keeper to join the Predator and Primate section at London Zoo. This exciting role involves the day-to-day care and husbandry of a diverse and captivating collection, including Asiatic lions, African wild dogs, Sumatran tigers, Asian short-clawed otters, Indian mongoose, western lowland gorillas, and a range of smaller Old and New World primates.
We are seeking someone with a genuine passion for working with a wide variety of species in a zoo environment, and proven experience with high-security animals is essential. As a Zookeeper you will uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, contribute to enclosure maintenance and redevelopment, support training and enrichment programmes, and value the importance of meticulous daily observations, clear communication, and accurate record-keeping.
ZSL’s zoos operate 7 days a week. This position is offered at 37.5 hours per week, worked across a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Animal Monitoring: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals, and promptly report any issues to the Team Leader or Section Manager, including defects or repairs needed to enclosures and notifying relevant departments.
- Training and Enrichment: Assist in developing and implementing training and enrichment programmes on a regular basis.
- Animal Welfare: Adhere to the highest industry standards of zoo husbandry and welfare.
- Exhibit Maintenance: Clean and maintain exhibits and other designated areas.
- Feeding and Nutrition: Assist with the preparation of approved diets and carry out correct feeding procedures.
- Public Engagement: Be actively involved in engaging with visitors, including delivering talks and demonstrations.
- Walkthrough Supervision: Supervise walkthroughs with primate species when required.
- Safe Working Practices: Work in a responsible, safe, and efficient manner around high-security animals.
About You
- Qualified in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in the DMZAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
- Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of exotic species.
- Have strong attention to detail and safe working practices with high security CAT1A species.
- Passion to work on evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.
- A reliable and positive influence on section and who works well in a team environment.
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.
Apply For This Job
Please apply via our website:
https://careers.zsl.org/vacancies/518/zookeeper–predators-and-primates.html #J-18808-Ljbffr
Zookeeper - Predators and Primates 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 - Predators and Primates
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific species you'll be working with, such as Asiatic lions and Sumatran tigers. Understanding their behaviours, needs, and conservation status can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at local zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. This practical exposure will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to animal care.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current zookeepers or professionals in the field. Attend workshops or seminars related to animal husbandry and welfare to build connections that could help you learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising responses to common questions about animal welfare and training techniques. Show your passion for animal care and your understanding of high-security protocols.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Predators and Primates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Zookeeper position. Highlight your relevant experience with high-security animals and your passion for animal care.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any relevant education, such as a degree in animal management or completion of the DMZAA Keeper’s course, and practical experience with exotic species.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for working with predators and primates. Include specific examples of your experience in animal husbandry, training, and public engagement to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your contact information is correct and that your application is well-organised and professional.
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 passion for working with animals, especially the diverse species mentioned in the job description. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to animal welfare and husbandry.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience with High-Security Animals
Since proven experience with high-security animals is essential, be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've successfully managed or cared for such species. Highlight your attention to detail and safe working practices.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions or scenarios related to animal monitoring, training, and enrichment. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as observing animal behaviour or implementing enrichment programmes.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember that public engagement is part of the role. Practice how you would communicate with visitors and deliver talks. Show your enthusiasm for educating others about the animals and their care during the interview.