Zookeeper – Deer And Antelope

ZSL is hiring a full-time Zookeeper for the Deer and Antelope section at Whipsnade Zoo, UK. Responsibilities include animal care, food preparation, hygiene maintenance, and contributing to husbandry and enrichment. Candidates should have relevant qualifications or experience, be comfortable working outdoors, and demonstrate professionalism. The role requires flexibility in scheduling, including weekends and holidays, and a valid UK driving license is necessary.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper within the Deer and Antelope section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK’s largest zoos nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. You’ll become a valued member of a dedicated and experienced team, passionate about the care, welfare, and management of a diverse range of ungulates.

The section is home to large breeding herds, including some of the world’s most remarkable and endangered species such as the Indochinese sika deer (extinct in the wild), Père David’s deer, White-lipped deer, and Michie’s tufted deer. It also includes species managed under the European Endangered Species Programmes, including Scimitar-horned oryx, Visayan warty pigs, Przewalski’s horses, and Barasingha. Additional residents include Wild boar, Bactrian camels, and Yak. the team also manage and care for Hazel Dormice, which include a captive breeding population and quarantine animals for the release program.

The team is committed to continuous improvement, high standards of welfare, and active contribution to global conservation through breeding and husbandry excellence. As a Zookeeper at ZSL, 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, team leader, and colleagues, supporting all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.

This role is offered on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time.

Key responsibilities:
• Food Preparation: Preparation of approved diets and carrying out feeding procedures.
• Hygiene and Cleaning: Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.
• Husbandry and Enrichment: Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
• Animal Observation: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.

ABOUT YOU
• Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or an equivalent qualification or experience.
• Practical experience working with animals, preferably with wild/exotic ungulate species.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive, sustainable approach to completing tasks that benefit the department, maximising productivity and efficiency.
• Can work effectively both as part of a team and independently to carry out section tasks.
• Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a diligent work ethic.
• Holds a full, valid UK Driving Licence.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

ABOUT US

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks -Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.