Job opportunities

Zoo Team Leader

We are looking for a proactive and confident Zoo Team Leader to oversee the day‑to‑day running of our animal and visitor operations. This role is central to maintaining consistently high standards of safety, animal welfare, site presentation and overall visitor experience.

As Zoo Team Leader, you will work alongside the team on the ground, ensuring staff are fully trained, prepared for the day ahead and supported in completing their tasks to a high standard. You will act as the team’s first point of contact, addressing issues promptly and maintaining clear, effective communication across the site.

The role also involves close collaboration with the Group Zoo Operations Manager and site managers to ensure any wider operational matters are escalated and resolved efficiently

 

Key Responsibilities:

·       Lead daily morning briefings to ensure the team understands priorities, expectations and operational plans for the day.

·       Maintain consistently high standards across all areas of work, ensuring the team follows all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·       Oversee the completion of all routine husbandry tasks and ensure accurate, up‑to‑date record‑keeping.

·       Manage ordering of animal feed, bedding and substrates to maintain appropriate stock levels.

·       Train, induct and support volunteers to ensure they are confident and effective in their roles.

·       Act as the first point of contact for the team, triaging issues as they arise and liaising with management, veterinary teams and other relevant staff to resolve them efficiently.

·       Work closely with the Group Zoo Operations Manager and General Manager to ensure full compliance with safety, welfare and regulatory procedures.

·       Collaborate with the zoo team to develop and implement species‑specific training and enrichment programmes.

·       Ensure all animal areas are well presented and that the team is prepared to deliver high‑quality visitor experiences, including activities such as “Keeper for a Day”.

 

Essential Skills:

·       Minimum of 2 years’ paid experience working in a zoo, farm park or similar animal‑focused environment.

·       Minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Animal Care or a closely related field.

·       A full, valid driving licence

Desirable Skills:

·       Experience in team leadership or supervisory responsibilities.

·       A solid understanding of the Zoo Licensing Act, SSSMZP guidelines and the BALAI Directive.

Who are we looking for:

We’re looking for somebody confident, proactive and highly experienced in animal care, who is ready to lead from the front and work hands‑on alongside the team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in animal husbandry, excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate and support staff in a fast‑paced, visitor‑focused environment. They will be calm under pressure, solution‑focused and committed to maintaining the highest standards of welfare, safety and presentation across the zoo.

The successful candidate will also be comfortable working with a diverse collection of species, including Yak, Macaws, Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Ring‑Tailed Lemurs, Capybara, Meerkats, Prairie Dogs and a wide range of domestic animals from rabbits through to Highland cattle. A solid understanding of the needs, behaviours and welfare requirements of both exotic and domestic species is essential to thrive in this role.

 

About us:

The Escapade Group is a dynamic and growing leisure company known for creating high‑quality, story‑driven adventure parks and immersive family attractions. With well‑loved brands such as Hobbledown, Kidspace and Gripped, the group blends innovative play environments with engaging animal experiences to deliver memorable days out for families across multiple UK sites. 

Joining the team means becoming part of a creative, forward‑thinking organisation that values exceptional guest experiences, strong welfare standards and a fun, collaborative working culture.