Apprentice Keeper in Dunstable

Purpose of the Role

If you are passionate about animals and eager to kick‑start an incredible career in animal care, we are excited to offer two Keeper and Aquarist Apprentice positions within our Animal Operations Department at Whipsnade Zoo. This is a unique two‑year fixed‑term apprenticeship, designed in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships, BIAZA, and over 25 leading UK zoos, offering hands‑on experience like no other.

Throughout the programme, you’ll rotate across four of our seven animal sections, gaining invaluable experience with a wide variety of species. Each placement lasts 6–12 months, giving you the chance to develop specialist skills, build confidence, and deepen your understanding of animal care and welfare.

The apprenticeship is designed to combine practical, on‑the‑job learning with structured training, with a minimum of 20% off‑the‑job learning, supporting you to achieve your formal apprenticeship qualification. By the end of the 24‑month programme, you will have a comprehensive foundation in animal husbandry, aquatics, and conservation practices, setting you on the path to a rewarding career with ZSL or in the wider zoo and wildlife sector.

Join us, and turn your passion for animals into a career that makes a real difference!

Location and Working Hours

The position is located at Whipsnade Zoo, working hours are an average 37.5 per week worked within an annual rota, which includes bank holidays and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care and Handling: Working with a range of animal’s species on 4 of the 7 animal sections: Primates, Birds, Deer & Antelope & Domestics, Large Hoofstock, Ectotherms, Elephants and Predators.
• Diet Preparation and Feeding: Preparing of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
• Exhibit and Facility Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
• Record Keeping and Observation: Assisting with record keeping via a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), including personal relevant observations of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
• Veterinary and Training Support: Assisting keepers, and other colleagues, with veterinary, training, and other relevant animal related procedures.
• Visitor Engagement: Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and professional visitor engagement.
• Apprenticeship Assessment: Preparing a portfolio to support the End Point Assessment for the apprenticeship scheme.
• Commitment to Learning: To be committed to and complete all aspects of training related to the job and apprenticeship.

About You

• Level 2 English and Maths or a commitment to attain them.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow strict protocols.
• Strong communication skills, teamwork, and experience of dealing with the public are essential.
• Enjoys working as part of a supportive team.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands‑on work.
• A full manual driving licence is essential and must have been held for at least 1 year.

Eligibility and Prior Learning

This apprenticeship is designed for those building new competence in zoo animal care/management. If you already have substantial paid zoo experience (2+ years) or higher‑level qualifications in the same occupational area that would duplicate apprenticeship training, you may not be suitable for this entry‑level route.

Interview Details

Please note: Interviews will be held week commencing 9th February 2026.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

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?

• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• 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 (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks – Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• 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 may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important 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.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with our recruitment team at – recruitment@zsl.org.