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! 

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.