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- Tasks: Care for exotic animals, maintain enclosures, and engage with visitors daily.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to saving wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience with exotic species required.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Zookeeper – Predators and Primates role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Join to apply for the Zookeeper – Predators and Primates role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
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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.
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. 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.
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Zookeeper - Predators and Primates employer: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) 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 help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with high-security animals through volunteering or internships at local zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. This practical knowledge will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨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 and learn about the latest practices in zoo management.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to animal welfare and enrichment during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented positive reinforcement training or innovative enrichment techniques in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Predators and Primates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience with exotic species, particularly high-security animals. Include any specific training or qualifications related to animal husbandry and welfare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with predators and primates, and how you align with ZSL's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills such as attention to detail, communication, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented training or enrichment programmes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Commitment to Welfare: Discuss your understanding of animal welfare standards and how you have upheld these in past positions. Mention any initiatives you've been part of that improved animal care or enclosure maintenance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal care and welfare during the interview. Share specific experiences where you demonstrated your commitment to high standards of husbandry and how you prioritise animal wellbeing in your work.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your practical experience with exotic species, especially high-security animals. Be prepared to provide examples of your previous roles or responsibilities that align with the requirements of caring for predators and primates.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
ZSL values meticulous observations and record-keeping. During the interview, mention instances where your attention to detail made a difference in animal monitoring or enclosure maintenance, showcasing your ability to notice and report issues promptly.
✨Engage with Visitor Interaction
Since public engagement is part of the role, be ready to discuss how you would interact with visitors. Share any past experiences where you successfully communicated information about animals or conservation efforts, as this will show your ability to connect with the public.
