Job opportunities

Trainee Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper - African Experience Section

Salary: Up to £26,500.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits

Full Time, Fixed Term Position until 31 October 2026

Onsite accommodation may be available dependent on occupancy

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is looking for an Animal Keeper to join our team of dedicated African Experience Keepers on a temporary basis. This unique section is home to an incredible variety of iconic African species, including Nubian giraffe, black rhino, eland, Chapman’s zebra, and blue wildebeest, as well as other remarkable animals such as Przewalski’s horses, European bison, and various deer species.

Main duties will invoice observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems. Cleaning and maintaining enclosures. Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors. Assisting with the movement and transport of animals. Contributing to the enrichments of the species on the section.

Who we are looking for:

The successful candidate will have experience working with animals, gained in a mainstream zoological collection. A full valid driving licence is essential. You will possess excellent all-round animal husbandry skills, combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This is a physically demanding position, so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness. Experience of driving tractors is also essential to the role.

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have direct experience working with the species found within the African Experience Section, and working with Giraffe, along with a broad understanding of species’ biology, husbandry, and welfare.

Contract details:

This is a temporary position through to the 31 October 2026. The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why you should join us:

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride. 

You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata to start date and working hours) rising with length of service.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• A great working environment with lots of social activities
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Your adventure awaits.

#joinourpride