Experienced Elephant Keeper
Blackpool Zoo
North West Closing date for applications is: 7th Jun 2026| Contact: | Leah Lancashire ([email protected]) |
| Sector: | Animal Care |
| Type: | Paid |
| Contract type: | Full-time |
| Salary: | £28,016 |
About Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established zoos and is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of the leading, fastest-growing leisure park operators in the world. With 50 years’ experience, it owns and operates over 30 leisure centres across Europe and Australia.
We are committed to excellence in animal care, welfare, and conservation and are now seeking an experienced and motivated Keeper to join our established Elephant Team, supporting the daily care, welfare, and progressive husbandry of our Asian elephant herd, with occasional responsibilities across the wider Mammal Department.
About the Role
This is a key position within a highly regarded team, working within our purpose-built facility, Project Elephant Basecamp, completed in 2018. The facility is currently home to seven Asian elephants, after the recent successful birth of our first calf born in 2025. All animals are managed under protected contact management systems in line with current best practice.
You will play an active role in delivering high standards of husbandry, contributing to behavioural management and welfare programmes, and supporting the continued development of positive reinforcement training strategies. While the primary focus is on elephants, flexibility to assist across a range of mammal species is essential.
About You
We are looking for a professional and committed individual who can demonstrate:
- A strong track record within a modern zoological environment
- Sound knowledge of current husbandry, welfare, and enrichment principles
- Practical experience using positive reinforcement training techniques
- The ability to work safely, collaboratively, and proactively within a team
You will be physically fit, reliable, and highly motivated, with a positive and adaptable approach to your work.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum of three years' experience in a relevant zoological role
- Demonstrable experience working with elephants in a protected contact environment
- Experience supervising or supporting team members
- DMZAA Or equivalent qualification
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable Experience
- Experience working with a range of Category 1 species
- Familiarity with EAZA, BIAZA, and DEFRA standards and guidelines
- Full clean driving licence and previous experience driving/operating a variety of plant machinery
Apply for this job:
Closing date: 7th of June 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. Early application is therefore encouraged.
Please submit a detailed CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to:
Leah Lancashire
Personnel Manager
Blackpool Zoo
East Park Drive
Blackpool, Lancashire
FY3 8PP
Email: [email protected]
If you have not received a response within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications, feedback will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.
