Job opportunities

Assistant Zookeeper - Primates and Predators

Purpose of the role:

ZSL is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant Zookeeper to join the dynamic Predator and Primate team at the iconic London Zoo. This exciting role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with a diverse and fascinating range of species in a world renowned setting. As part of the team, you will play a vital role in supporting ZSL’s mission: a world where wildlife thrives.

As a valued member of the team, you will support in upholding high standards of daily husbandry and welfare, taking part in enrichment and training programmes, contributing to exhibit maintenance, and supporting with accurate observation and record-keeping. You will be confident engaging with the public and enjoy working as part of a collaborative, passionate team.

This role is offered on a 6-month fixed term contract. The position includes regular weekend work as part of a rota, so a flexible approach to scheduling is essential.

Key responsibilities:  

• Animal Care: Support keepers with daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning enclosures, sourcing and preparing browse, feeding animals, and monitoring and reporting their health and behaviour. 
• Training & Enrichment: Assist in the development and delivery of animal training and enrichment programmes to promote natural behaviours and welfare.
• Record Keeping: Help maintain accurate animal records, including data entry into ZIMS and regular communication with keeping staff to ensure information is shared effectively.
• Visitor Engagement: Enhance visitor experiences by answering questions in a friendly and helpful manner, and act as a point of contact in walk-through exhibits.
  Health & Safety: Follow all relevant safe systems of work, risk assessments, and emergency procedures, while promoting ZSL’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

About You:

• Practical experience of working with animals.
• Confident working autonomously and as part of a team, to complete section tasks.
• Ability to make quick decisions, when needed, regarding visitor and animal safety while following the Health and Safety guidelines.
• Ability to work outside with direct exposure to the weather and animals and working indoors in artificially high temperatures.
• Sound judgment and professionalism when relaying information and answering visitor questions.
• Commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values (collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful and ethical).
• This role is physically demanding and involves standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling for extended periods throughout the day.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.