Animal Keeper

National Zoological Society of Wales - Welsh Mountain Zoo; Colwyn Bay; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

National Zoological Society of Wales - Welsh Mountain Zoo is seeking an entry level Cover Keeper to join our dedicated team. The role is full-time with a salary of £26,171 per annum and involves daily husbandry, enrichment, and support across zoo operations in North Wales.

You will work with the Head of Animals and Animal Team Leaders, maintaining high welfare standards, contributing to conservation efforts, and engaging with visitors through educational demonstrations.

Qualifications

• Significant practical experience with a wide range of species in a zoo/wildlife park.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behaviour, enrichment and welfare principles.
• Experience with positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Ability to monitor and report animal health and behaviour observations.
• Working towards or holding a relevant qualification in animal care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a team setting.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.
• Willingness to deploy firearms in emergencies.
• Capable of delivering high standards of customer service.
• Strong verbal and written reporting skills.
• Physically able to perform demanding tasks including lifting.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry including feeding & enrichment for a variety of exotic species
• Safely move, catch and restrain animals using correct techniques
• Assist in treatment and medication of animals
• Clean and maintain habitats to encourage natural behaviours
• Monitor animal health and behaviour - recording & reporting observations
• Deliver educational talks and demonstrations on species
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and support wider zoo operations
• Work on a rota over 7 days including weekends and bank holidays
• Complete mandatory training and professional development
• Ensure compliance with policies including Welfare, GDPR, Health and Safety

Skills

Practical animal care

Animal husbandry

Enrichment principles

Positive reinforcement

Health & behaviour monitoring

Communication skills

Teamwork & independence

Firearms training

Customer service

Verbal & written reporting

Physical fitness

Education

Diploma or higher in Animal Management

Job description

Full-time Permanent Entry Level

Posted 09 Oct 2026

Description

Animal Keeper

Full-time Salary: £26,171 per annum

Working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a committed, expert team united by a shared passion: Bringing Conservation to Life. And there’s nowhere better to do that than in the breathtaking surroundings of North Wales.

For over 60 years, we’ve been caring for rare and endangered animal and plant species, engaging the public, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Now, as we enter an exciting period of growth and investment in our zoo, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Cover Keeper.

You’ll work closely with our Head of Animals and Animal Team Leaders, helping to ensure the highest standards of animal care and team coordination.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant practical experience gained from working closely with a wide range of species in a zoo/wildlife park setting
• Knowledgeable in science and evidence based animal husbandry, behaviour, breeding, enrichment, and welfare principles
• Knowledge and practical application of positive reinforcement training techniques
• Proficient in monitoring animal health and behaviour - recording and reporting observations
• Working towards/holds a relevant qualification in animal care or a related field (e.g. Diploma or higher in Animal Management)
• Holds excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable working as part of a team, but also working unsupervised
• Working towards/able to deploy firearms in emergency situation
• Able to deliver exceptional levels of customer service
• Good verbal and written communication skills to effectively report findings and coordinate with team members.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and handling animals

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide daily husbandry including feeding & enrichment for a variety of exotic species
• Safely move, catch and restrain animals using the correct techniques and equipment
• Assist in the treatment and medication of animals
• Clean and maintain habitats to encourage natural behaviours and breeding
• Monitor animal health and behaviour - recording and reporting observations
• Delivering educational and engaging talks and demonstrations on a variety of species
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting wider zoo operations as required
• Work on a rota over 7 days (including weekends and bank holidays), with late lock-ups as required
• Complete all mandatory training and continuing professional development
• Ensure all work aligns with our policies and procedures, including those relating to Animal Welfare, GDPR, Health and Safety, Security, Finance, People, and Volunteering

If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, looking to take your first step into a management role, and excited to help shape the future of a growing zoo – we’d love to hear from you.