Zookeeper jobs available

Senior Keeper Primate Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

Colchester Zoological Society

Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Senior Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a one year maternity cover role working within our Primate Section; responsible for Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees, yellow-breasted capuchins, cherry-crowned mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, Colombian black spider monkeys and various lemur species.

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Senior Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The candidate will ensure safe working protocols and practices and have a good understanding of risk assessments. The job holder will deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section.

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job:

Further details of the job role can be found here: 
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/

Please send a copy of your CV, our application form (https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Application-Form-2023.pdf) and a covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org

Qualified Keeper - Primate Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

Colchester Zoological Society

Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Qualified Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a one year maternity cover role working within our Primate Section; responsible for Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees, yellow-breasted capuchins, cherry-crowned mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, Colombian black spider monkeys and various lemur species.

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Qualified Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The Qualified Keeper will be responsible for carrying out day to day husbandry on the section for a range of species and ensuring safe working practices, as well as delivering enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 18 months experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job:

Further details of the job role can be found here: 
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/

Please send a copy of your CV, our application form (https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Application-Form-2023.pdf) and a covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org

Experienced Mammal Keeper

Blackpool Zoo

Closing date for applications is: 1st Feb 2026

Location: Blackpool Zoo

Hours: 40 hours per week (annualised) 

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £26,913 per annum 

About the Role:

Blackpool Zoo is currently looking to recruit an Experienced Mammal Keeper; the successful candidate will join our existing team of keepers assisting in the daily care & husbandry needs of our animals. The zoo houses a wide range of mammal species from Cotton top Tamarins to Asian Elephants, and the successful candidate will have experience caring for a variety of mammal taxa.

The Zoo is part of Parque Reunidos, one of the world’s leading owners and operators of leisure attractions. With over 50 years of experience and a position among the top five global operators of regional leisure parks, the group delivers authentic, memorable experiences to millions of visitors across the globe each year.

Candidate Requirements:

You will have a minimum of 3 years zoo keeping experience working in a recognised zoological institution and the DMZAA course or an equivalent qualification is essential. You will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic, and reliable. Experience with Category 1 animals would be advantageous.

What We Offer:

We offer a range of benefits plus the opportunity to further your career within the zoological industry.

Closing Date:

The closing date for applications is Sunday 1st February 2026

Apply for this job:

Application Information:

Please note that applications will be reviewed, and interviews may be conducted, throughout the advertising period. As a result, the position may be filled before the stated closing date. We therefore encourage early submission of applications to avoid disappointment.

In the event of a high volume of applications, it may not be possible to provide individual feedback to all unsuccessful candidates. Feedback will only be offered to those who are shortlisted for interview.

How to Apply:

 Please send a detailed CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to Leah Lancashire, Personnel Manager to Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP or alternatively by email via leah.lancashire@blackpoolzoo.org.uk

Qualified Keeper - Reptile Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

Colchester Zoological Society

Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Qualified Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our Reptile department; responsible for a range of reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species.

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Qualified Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The Qualified Keeper will be responsible for carrying out day to day husbandry on the section for a range of species and ensuring safe working practices, as well as delivering enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 18 months experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job:

Further details of the job role can be found here: 
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/

Please send a copy of your CV, our application form (https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Application-Form-2023.pdf) and a covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org

Qualified Keeper - Giraffe and Rhino Section

Colchester Zoological Society

Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Qualified Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our Giraffe and Rhino section; a mixed taxa section responsible for giraffes, white rhinos, greater kudus, ostriches, crowned cranes, aardvarks and pygmy hippos.

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Qualified Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The Qualified Keeper will be responsible for carrying out day to day husbandry on the section for a range of species and ensuring safe working practices, as well as delivering enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 18 months+ experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job:

Further details of the job role can be found here: 
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/

Please send a copy of your CV, our application form (https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Application-Form-2023.pdf) and a covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org

Animal Keeper - Foot Safari

Woburn Safari Park

Closing date for applications is: 8th Feb 2026

Animal Keeper - Foot Safari

The Animal Encounters department is currently recruiting for reliable, confident team members to join the animal team on a fixed term zero hour contract.  

The successful applicant should be:
• Passionate about animal welfare & conservation
• Highly motivated
• Flexible
• Committed to Woburn Safari Park’s high standards

Applicants will be working with a variety of species including birds, small mammals, primates, reptiles and invertebrates. Due to the wide variety of species on this large and busy department, candidates must have previous practical experience of working with a range of animals, preferably in a zoological setting. You must also be 18 years of age to work with the animals.

As this is a customer facing role, the right candidate will have demonstrable:
• presentation skills
• customer services skills
• passion for education and conservation
• excellent communication skills
• effective negotiation skills
• efficient problem solving abilities

Applicants will need to be flexible to work 5 days per week including peak times such as weekends and bank holidays to meet the needs of the business.

Working as part of the successful animal department you will also be responsible for maintaining a safe environment for both yourself and the visitors by adhering to associated risk assessments and protocols without exception.

Due to our remote location, you will need your own transport.    

Kent has a rich and diverse biodiversity. The wide range of species, and the habitats they rely on, contributes considerably to the county’s economy and the quality of life of those living, working and visiting Kent. Over the coming years, the conservation and enhancement of this valuable natural heritage faces significant challenges from growth, changes to land management and use, and the impacts of climate change.

Our Biodiversity Officers help the County Council, and Kent’s districts planning authorities, address these challenges by providing specialist ecological advice across a range of functions, particularly development management and forward planning. It is the Officer’s role to ensure that Kent’s biodiversity is effectively protected, managed and enhanced through the county’s planning systems.

As our Ecological Advice Service develops we have an opportunity to join our dedicated team. We are looking for a professional that has a relevant qualification to degree level; and a detailed working knowledge of wildlife and the relevant legislation and policy in place to protect and enhance it. Individuals should have experience of providing high quality, clear and coherent ecological advice, particularly within planning, with strong collaborative working and influencing skills.

Please use the reasons for applying section within the job application to demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to the person specification for the post; applications will be assessed against this.

Closing date for applications is 10 February with interviews expected to be held on 23 and 24 February 2026.

Contact Details

For more information about all positions, telephone Helen Forster 03000413374 or email helen.forster@kent.gov.uk.

About the Company

Work that works for you and us – let’s talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Seasonal Hoofstock Keepers

Chessington World of Adventures

Closing date for applications is: 31st Jan 2026

Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE

Hours: Fixed term contract to 15th November 2026

Advert closing date: 31st January 2026
Please note we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of quality applications. We would therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.

COME & JOIN BRITAINS WILDEST ADVENTURE! 

Are you passionate about creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, fun environment? Then we want YOU to be part of our team. Leave the everyday behind and unleash your imagination as you explore a career at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park.

Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are gearing up for our 2026 Season and we are looking for Seasonal Hoofstock Keepers to join the team!

To support to our experienced keepers, you will be delivering the highest standards of animal husbandry for a wide range of species in the Hoofstock Section which include Giraffes, Rhinos, zebras and many more.

Day to day this role will include:

· Becoming proficient in the care and husbandry of species assigned to the Hoofstock Section.

· Maintain records and documentation pertaining to the animals in your care; liaising with the Zoo Supervisor to keep animal records up-to-date.

· Deliver amazing guest experiences as required including VIP experiences and keeper talks.

· Support the wider Resort operation in the delivery of Merlin and Chessington’s business objectives.

· Comply with and adhere to all relevant health and safety procedures and protocols in line with legal and company requirements.

· Planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care

· Using positive reinforcement; training a wide variety of species for husbandry behaviours

· Support the goals of the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF), Merlin’s Magic Wand (MMW) and the Sea Life Trust; assisting and supporting with fundraising events.

· Participate in education, research and conservation projects where applicable.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most exciting attractions. Apply now to join our Team and make every day an adventure!

Qualifications & Experience

We need you to come with is the right positive attitude, enjoy working as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, and be able to deliver jaw dropping fun to our Guests!

· Our ideal candidate will have completed or be working towards an animal-based qualification and have previous experience working in animal care.

· You will be a clear confident public speaker with the ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations confidently and professionally

· You will be hard-working, adaptable and reliable

· You will have passion and excitement for your chosen field, with a keen drive to develop your career as an animal keeper.

· Full clean UK driving license required

Benefits

· A competitive hourly rate

· Access to Merlin benefits page with discounts on over 1000 fashion and electronic retailers, restaurants, and travel

· 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants

· 40% discount on Lego

· Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world

· Ongoing training and development opportunitie

Apply for this job:

Click the link to apply for the role: https://seasonalcareers-uk-merlinentertainments.icims.com/jobs/11098/seasonal-hoofstock-keeper/job?mode=view&mobile=false&width=735&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=0&jun1offset=60

Species Survival Officer

Dublin Zoo

Closing date for applications is: 7th Feb 2026

Dublin Zoo is a registered charity which aims to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature, creating a place where our visitors can become active conservationists, helping us achieve our vision of a world where people live in harmony with nature. Founded in 1831, Dublin Zoo is part of a global network of conservation organisations committed to protecting species and their habitats. In line with the “Dublin Zoo 200” 10-year strategic plan, Dublin Zoo will become a conservation organisation of global impact within a decade. Providing the headquarters for our parent charity, the Zoological Society of Ireland, our ambition is for Dublin Zoo to transform into a leading hub for wildlife conservation of national and global significance. Dublin Zoo already supports more than 20 field conservation projects run by partner organisations in as many countries on three continents. In Ireland, Dublin Zoo provides support to partner organisations that work to protect a range of native species and their habitats. In addition, Dublin Zoo helps build global capacity for integrated conservation planning through our support of the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) and commitment to the One Plan Approach, as outlined in Dublin Zoo’s Conservation Master Plan (2022-2031).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation, with more than 1,400 government and conservation NGO members worldwide. The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a global network of more than 11,000 volunteer experts who contribute data and expertise to helping the world understand and prioritise species conservation needs. These experts work for many different conservation organisations, such as universities, field conservation NGOs, governments, zoos, aquariums, or botanic gardens. These experts are organised into more than 205 Groups, focused on taxonomic, geographic or disciplinary priorities for species conservation, and are supported by the SSC Chair’s office staff and a partner-based network of Centres for Species Survival staff teams. The overall aim of these SSC Groups is to advance the understanding and long-term conservation of the species in their remit and their environments worldwide, and the recovery or restoration of populations and ecosystems where feasible. To achieve this, the groups work across three main pillars: Assessment, Planning, and Action.

The Centre for Species Survival: Ireland was created in 2023 as a partnership between Dublin Zoo and the IUCN SSC, and is headquartered in Society House at Dublin Zoo. The Centre works in close partnership with the SSC's volunteer expert groups to conduct extinction risk assessments, facilitate multi-stakeholder conservation planning, mobilise priority action, and build capacity to save species. Centres act as catalysers; working with the SSC and other partners, across NGOs, government agencies, academia, and others. Centres work to understand the key networks, stakeholders, and conservation efforts; to identify priority gaps in assessments, planning, and action needed to save species and ensure that efforts are connected effectively and have access to the necessary tools, capacity building and resources required to maximise impact.

Summary of the role:

Working closely with the team at Dublin Zoo, the IUCN Species Survival Commission, relevant government and NGO stakeholders and the wider conservation community, the post holder will play a key role in implementing the IUCN Assess-Plan-Act-Network-Communicate model to assess extinction risk, identify conservation needs, help plan effective and coordinated measures, mobilise conservation action, communicate conservation successes and network with governmental and NGO partners. This position will support assessments to help inform species conservation prioritisation for Ireland (eg, IUCN Red List Assessments, Key Biodiversity Area identification, National Assessments, situation analyses, etc). In doing this, the position will help to dramatically expand the understanding of the conservation needs of Irish species; laying the much-needed foundation to also focus on convening and facilitating prioritised conservation planning and mobilising the implementation of key actions and policy across the conservation of these species. This position will also support the ex situ management of native Irish species at Dublin Zoo, including supporting project administration, reporting and public dissemination.

Key Responsibilities:

Support and coordinate efforts between the Species Survival Centre and the SSC Network throughout the Species Conservation Cycle...