Animal Keeper - Primates

Breath HR; Twycross; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave

Life assurance

Sick pay from day one

Discount platform

Staff entry to zoo

Complimentary zoo ticket for friends/f

Gift shop discounts

Food & beverage discounts

Monthly recognition awards

Employee assistance services

Free parking

Job summary

Twycross Zoo is seeking a Primate Keeper to care for a diverse primate collection, delivering daily husbandry, diet, and welfare routines under supervision. You will observe, record data, and follow health and safety procedures while engaging with visitors and supporting cross-department collaboration.

Ideal candidates have a relevant degree or DMZAA, strong species knowledge, and the ability to work independently with good time management and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• BSc in an animal or conservation related subject is desirable.
• DMZAA qualification desirable.
• Knowledge of relevant taxa, physiology and zoo management practices.
• High motivation and pursuit of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Follow section husbandry and management routines to deliver high levels of animal care.
• Conduct observations and report concerns to senior staff.
• Ensure risk assessments and SOPs are followed for safety and best practice.
• Show initiative to improve knowledge and welfare of animals.
• Record animal data as directed (diary entries, DAM daily reports, data entry).
• Engage with visitors on site through talks and public feeds.

Skills

BSc in animal conservation

DMZAA qualification

Taxa knowledge

MS Office & ZIMS

Breeding programme knowledge

Time management

Independent working

Confidentiality awareness

Education

BSc in animal conservation

Tools

MS Office

ZIMS

Job description

Vacancy at Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society Ltd

Vacancy listed 08/09/2026

Details

About Us

Twycross Zoo is a fantastic conservation and education charity and historic organisation that has existed for 60 years. At the heart of what we do, the reason we exist, is to be an influential conservation and education charity, delivering on our commitments to be guest obsessed and provide world-class animal environments and levels of husbandry. Alongside this, we strive to be an effective charity with a commercial mindset, putting our people at the heart of the Zoo.

At Twycross Zoo, we are committed to leading the way in primate care, conservation, and husbandry. As a Primate Keeper, you will play a vital role in caring for one of the most significant primate collections in the UK. From Bornean orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and the UK's only bonobo group, to rare species such as greater bamboo lemurs, Diana monkeys, golden lion tamarins, and five species of gibbon to name a few, every day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the welfare and conservation of these remarkable animals.

Key Objectives

• Work to the zoo’s high standard in all elements of animal care, providing the relevant species with correct husbandry, diet and care on a daily basis as directed by the Assistant Curator and Team Leader.
• Communicate any concerns over animal health and wellbeing to a senior team member in an appropriate time frame.
• Role model the company values in all areas of your work, consistently delivering outstanding experiences to our guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow section husbandry and management routines to deliver a high level of animal care to relevant species including, but not limited to, enclosure servicing, diet provision, positive reinforcement training and providing a full range of enrichment opportunities.
• Conduct observations on the relevant animals during the working day, reporting anything unusual or concerning to a senior member of the team.
• Ensure all relevant risk assessments, standard operating procedures and policies are followed at all times, to ensure best practice for safe working, in line with health and safety practices.
• Be proactive in looking for ways to improve own working knowledge and keep abreast of best practice of relevant species. Show initiative in how TZ can continually improve the wellbeing of its animals.
• Record all required elements of animal data as directed by senior section staff. To include, but to limited to, section diary entries, DAM daily reports and single data entry points on ZIMS.
• Engage with visitors on site, which may include delivering or assisting with animal talks and public feeds.
• Be supportive and help facilitate the work of other departments, including veterinary, maintenance, zoo-based research, conservation education and animal services. Show initiative in the suggestion of beneficial zoo-based research for the relevant species.

About you

• A BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation related subject desirable.
• Achieved the DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification desirable.
• Knowledge of relevant taxa, including their physiology, natural behaviours and management practices in zoos.
• High level of motivation in delivering high standards and the pursuit of excellence.
• Demonstrate good time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and work independently.
• A competent communicator at all levels across the society. Be appreciative and follow the need for confidentiality where appropriate.
• IT competent in MS Office and ZIMS.
• Knowledge of breeding programme management and the wider role of modern zoos in species and habitat conservation. Have some understanding of the work of BIAZA and EAZA.
• Committed to supporting zoos in increasing our impact on species conservation.
• Flexibility in working times and duties is a key requirement.
• Physically able to complete section work as required

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a friendly, enthusiastic team driven by animal care, science and conservation. As a registered charity, every member of staff plays a direct role in our mission to protect wildlife and inspire future generations.

If you’re looking for a meaningful role where your skills genuinely make a difference, this could be the perfect next step.

Just some of the benefits include;

• 31 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Life assurance, from day one of employment
• Company sick pay from day one of absence, after 6 months service
• Access to discount platform
• Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
• Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
• Discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
• Discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
• Monthly recognition award scheme
• Access to employee assistance services
• Free parking