Experienced Animal Keeper - Large Carnivore Section

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park; Hythe; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected wild animal park in Kent is seeking a dedicated large carnivore keeper with at least 3 years of experience. Responsibilities include the care of various big cats and bears, engaging public education, and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Excellent benefits and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies

Unlimited free entry to parks

Exceptional discounts on food and accommodation

Access to a 24-hour counselling line

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience working with large carnivores in a recognized zoological collection.
• Confident around all types of carnivores with hands-on restraint and handling skills.
• Practical and safety-conscious approach.

Responsibilities

• Look after Amur Tigers, leopards, and other large carnivores.
• Undertake animal husbandry duties including feeding, cleaning, and enclosure maintenance.
• Lead talks and animal encounters for the public.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Enrichment contributions

Physical fitness

Education

Recognized Zoo Animal Management Qualification

Tools

Strimmer

Driving trailer

Job description

Closing Date: Friday 11th July 2025

Salary: Up to £28,500.00 Per Annum DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits

Full Time, Permanent Position

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team of dedicated large carnivore keepers. As part of the large carnivore team, you will be responsible for looking after our Amur Tigers, Amur leopard, Sri Lankan leopard, Brown bears, Andean bears, African lions, African painted dogs, Southern cheetah, Maned wolves and European Grey wolves.

Who Are We Looking For

We are looking for a motivated individual who will possess good animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic about contributing to the enrichment of all the species on the section. To be considered for this role the ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working with large carnivores, ideally with at least 3 years’ experience working within a recognized zoological collection. You will need to be confident around all types of carnivores with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary. The successful applicant should bring a practical and safety conscious approach to working with these species. You will be expected to undertake all animal husbandry duties including feeding and cleaning as well as enclosure furnishing, maintenance tasks, gardening, butchery, and record keeping.

This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness. A full valid driving licence is essential. It would be advantageous to possess a varied skill set including general maintenance, trailer driving, strimmer experience and a recognized Zoo animal Management qualification. Conservation education plays a big role in the park so you will also be expected to lead talks and animal encounters to the public. We provide extensive staff training and will offer the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities.

Contract Details

This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week, five days out of seven, including weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is essential due to our remote location.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short-break accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why You Should Join Us

As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

You can also expect a host of other benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (pro-rata to start date and working hours)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail, and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.
  
  

To Apply: Please email your C.V. and covering letter to: [e-mail]