Senior Zoo Animal Care Lead

Miral; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Ain Zoo is seeking a Senior Animal Keeper to supervise and mentor the Animal Care team, ensuring high welfare standards and safe zoo operations. You will work with Curators, Veterinarians, and other departments to support welfare, breeding, and exhibit activities.

The role requires leading daily husbandry, enforcing SOPs, and driving continuous improvement across facilities and back-of-house operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a modern zoological institution or similar facility.
• Experience with dangerous animal species under strict safety protocols.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and training junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily husbandry, care, feeding, enrichment, observation, and management of animal collections.
• Ensure animal care activities meet international standards and welfare indicators.
• Maintain safety procedures, risk assessments, and emergency protocols.
• Lead and mentor Animal Keepers; support training of new staff.
• Maintain accurate animal records and support audits and compliance.

Skills

Animal welfare

Husbandry

Safety procedures

SOP compliance

Emergency response

Mentoring

Training staff

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Al Ain Zoo is seeking a Senior Animal Keeper to supervise and mentor the Animal Care team, ensuring high welfare standards and safe zoo operations. You will work with Curators, Veterinarians, and other departments to support welfare, breeding, and exhibit activities.

The role requires leading daily husbandry, enforcing SOPs, and driving continuous improvement across facilities and back-of-house operations.