Job opportunities

Volunteer Zookeeper

Commitment: 5 days a week, including 1 weekend day.

Hours: 8:30 – 5pm

Hanwell Zoo is excited to offer 2 volunteer zookeeper placements, available for 3 or 6 months starting in summer 2025. We also offer 12-month industrial or sandwich placements throughout the year. If this is of interest, please follow the application process below.

Hanwell Zoo is a community driven collection in West London. The zoo is home to 30 species including margay, flamingos, six-banded armadillos, meerkats, callitrichids and lemurs. The collection is easily accessible by public transport and has on-site parking.     

As a volunteer zookeeper you will assist with daily husbandry tasks such as preparing diets, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, recording animal observations, and providing enrichment. Other responsibilities may include assisting staff with animal health checks, weighing animals, and contributing to various projects around the site. You will have the opportunity to undertake a personal project as well as engage with other aspects of the zoo such as visitor interactions, retail, education sessions, seasonal events, and observing vet visits.

This placement is ideal for individuals who are pursuing an animal related qualification or anyone looking to gain experience working in a zoological collection. This is an unpaid placement, and we are unable to assist with travel or accommodation expenses.

Essential:

• You must be 18 or over.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to work in a team or independently.
• Please be aware that this role is physically demanding, and you will be working in all weather conditions.