Zookeeper - Predators in Dunstable

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 beautiful Chiltern Hills. This exciting opportunity involves working with an incredible range of mammals, including African lions, Amur tigers, African wild dogs, brown bears, Northern cheetah, lynx, wolverine and short‑clawed otters. As a Zookeeper, 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 assist with all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species. ZSL operates 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (including weekends and bank holidays).

Key responsibilities

• Teamwork: Contribute to a collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Animal Care Standards: Maintain and monitor the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, providing guidance and reporting on animal health and wellbeing.
• Daily operations: Follow all section procedures, protocols, and safety standards, including Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work.
• ZIMS & Industry Engagement: Contribute to accurate record‑keeping through ZIMS, and actively contribute to wider industry initiatives, working groups, and representing ZSL where appropriate.

About You

• Experience of working with a variety of species within a Zoo environment.
• Educated to degree level in relevant biological or zoological or related subject area, or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate such a level of equivalent experience through relevant practical work experience.
• A thorough understanding of the legal duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation and the secretary of state’s standard of modern zoos practice.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety implementation, policies, and procedures.
• An ability to deliver presentations and keeper talks confidently and professionally.
• This post will require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather and animals.
• This role is physically demanding and involves standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling for extended periods throughout the day.
• Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving licence as an essential requirement.

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 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, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – recruitment@zsl.org