Zookeeper

Zookeeper

ZSL - Whipsnade Zoo

Closing date for applications is: 21st Jan 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the large Hoofstock Team at Whipsnade Zoo as a Zookeeper! In this role, you’ll play a key part in providing exceptional animal husbandry and welfare, ensuring the highest standards of care in line with industry best practices.

The section is home to an incredible collection of species, including white rhinos, reticulated giraffes, mountain bongos, and pygmy hippos. As part of a dynamic and passionate team, you’ll contribute to advancing animal care, management, and welfare, while also having the opportunity to develop your skills and reach your full potential in a world-class zoological setting.

Key responsibilities:  

• Animal Care & Feeding:Prepare approved diets and carry out feeding procedures to ensure optimal animal nutrition.
• Exhibit & Equipment Maintenance:Maintain the highest hygiene standards by cleaning and upkeeping exhibits, equipment, and designated areas.
• Husbandry & Welfare Development:Contribute to improving animal welfare by helping to design innovative, enriching, and naturalistic enclosures with the team.
• Animal Observation & Reporting:Monitor animal behaviour, health, and security, reporting any concerns to Lead Keepers, the Team Leader, or the Section Manager.
• Training & Enrichment:Assist in developing and implementing animal training and enrichment programmes to enhance animal well-being.
• Veterinary Support:Administer veterinary treatments under the guidance of the Veterinary Team.
• Visitor Engagement:Deliver engaging talks and demonstrations, creating an informative and memorable experience for visitors.
• Record Keeping:Accurately enter data into animal records, daily record sheets, and the ZIMS database to ensure comprehensive documentation.

About You

• Passionate about animal care and thrive in a team environment, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to everything you do.
• Strong communication skills, allowing you to engage effectively with colleagues and visitors alike.
• Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or hold a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA).
• Hands-on experience working with zoo animals, ideally Hoofstock.
• A full UK driving licence, enabling you to carry out duties across the site efficiently
  

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 underrepresented 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?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• 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 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.

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 

Apply for this job:

Please apply via our website: Zookeeper in Whipsnade Zoo - ZSL