Animal Keeper - Mammals

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Twycross Zoo in East Midlands is looking for an Animal Keeper to care for mammals such as giraffes, rhinos, and big cats. The role includes feeding, monitoring animal health, and maintaining enclosures while delivering public encounters and events.

Applicants should have zoo-based experience with Category 1A mammals, be physically fit, flexible, and able to work a 5-out-of-7 rota. Salary is £26,735 with a full-time contract.

Qualifications

• Experience as an animal keeper in a zoo environment with Category 1A mammals.
• Good knowledge of animal care and zoonotic disease practices.
• Willingness to work on a 5 days out of 7 rotating rota.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute food and water to animals
• Learn about the animals and report any animal health concerns to the Team Leader
• Maintain enclosures and public viewing areas ensuring a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition
• Answer enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner, delivering encounters and assisting with visitor events

Skills

Animal care

Public interaction

Team player

Physically fit

Self-motivated

Flexible hours

Education

Animal-related qualification

Job description

Twycross Zoo

East Midlands

Closing date for applications is: 9th Oct 2026

Contact: Human Resources ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £26,735

The Role – Animal Keeper

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll play a key role in caring for the animals in our mammals section, which includes the large and small hoofstock, carnivores and small mammals (for example: Giraffes, Rhinos, Meerkats, Tigers, Snow Leopard, Goats, Capybara, Zebra).

Required

• Preparing and distributing food and water to animals
• Learning about the animals and reporting any animal health concerns to the Team Leader
• Assisting with maintaining enclosures and public viewing areas ensuring a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition
• Answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner, delivering encounters and assisting with visitor events

Our Requirements - Animal Keeper

• Experience as an Animal Keeper in a zoo environment, which must have included working with Category 1A mammals
• Superb knowledge of animals that will be within your regular care and all responsible work practices relevant to zoonotic diseases
• A passion for Twycross Zoo’s work and purpose
• Self-motivated and with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A flexible approach to duties and working hours
• Whilst we are an equal opportunities employer, you will need to be physically fit due to the nature and demands of the role

Although not essential, an appropriate animal related qualification would be highly advantageous.

Working on average 5 days out of 7 on a three-week rolling rota between the hours of 8am to 5pm during the summer and 8am to 4pm during the winter months.