Job opportunities

Lead Keeper - Predators

Purpose of the role:

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Lead Keeper within the Predator section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoo's nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. 

This exciting opportunity involves working with an incredible range of mammals, including African lions, Amur tigers, African wild dogs, brown bears, Northern cheetah, lynx, wolverine, short-clawed otters, aardvark, porcupine, and meerkats. 

As a Lead Keeper, you will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, play an active role in enrichment and training programmes, and help create engaging experiences for visitors. You will work closely with the section manager, supervising the Animal Team and all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.

• The ZSL Zoos operate 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays).

Key Responsibilities: 

• Team Supervision: Lead the daily operations of the Animal Team, overseeing zookeepers, apprentices, seasonal staff, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment. 
• Animal Care Standards: Maintain and monitor the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, providing guidance and reporting on animal health and wellbeing.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure all section procedures, protocols, and safety standards, including Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work are followed and understood by all staff.
• Professional Development & Expertise: Act as a mentor and subject matter lead in a designated focus area (e.g., evidence-based animal care, engagement, curatorial, or enclosures), supporting staff training and continuous improvement.
• ZIMS & Industry Engagement: Oversee accurate record-keeping through ZIMS, and actively contribute to wider industry initiatives, working groups, and representing ZSL where appropriate.

About You:

• Thorough experience of working with a variety of species within a Zoo environment.

• Educated to degree level in relevant biological or zoological or related subject area, or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate such a level of equivalent qualifications and experience through relevant practical work experience.
• Experience in people management in an operational setting, with an emphasis on mentorship, development, recruitment planning, day-to-day management, performance management and staff scheduling is desirable.
• A thorough understanding of the legal duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation and the secretary of state’s standard of modern zoos practice.
• Good working knowledge of heath and safety implementation, policies, and procedures.
• An ability to deliver presentations and keeper talks confidently and professionally.
• This post will require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather and animals.
• This role is physically demanding and involves standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling for extended periods throughout the day.
• Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving license as an essential requirement. 

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.