Full-time, permanent Animal Keeper, Elephants Section

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife facility in London seeks an experienced Elephant Keeper to join their dedicated team. This role involves daily management and care of elephants, including feeding, training, and enclosure maintenance. Applicants should possess an animal-based qualification and have a minimum of one year of paid experience in elephant care. A full driving license is also required. This is a full-time role with flexible working hours including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• At least 1 full year paid work as an Elephant Keeper.
• Full driving licence required.
• Working knowledge of a protected contact management system.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily management and care of the Elephants.
• Deliver talks and experiences to visitors.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Team working skills

Knowledge of Elephant keeping

Ability to maintain hygiene

Education

Animal-based qualification

Job description

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

South West Closing date for applications is: 29th Aug 2025

Contact: Kayla Seagrave ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: Level 1: £25,792.00 (£12.40 per hour) - Level 2: £26,457.60 per annum (£12.72 per hour).

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced motivated individual to join our committed friendly team of animal keepers.

We are looking to recruit an experienced animal keeper on our progressive Protective Contact Elephant Section which is acting as Europe’s premier African Elephant Bull facility.

This is a key role within the team of keepers covering a variety of duties. The position will take a proactive role in the daily management of the Elephant section as well as helping with other sections when required.

We expect applicants to have a sound knowledge of Elephant keeping, a strong work ethic and good team working skills as well as the ability to maintain high levels of hygiene.

Typical Aspects Of The Role Include

• Assist in the daily management and care of the Elephants on section, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning, enclosure maintenance and training.
• Deliver talks and experiences to our visiting guests.
  
  

Applicant Requirements

• Applicants will have at least 1 full year paid work as an Elephant Keeper
• Hold an animal-based qualification.
• Applicants must have a full driving licence.
• Have working knowledge of a protected contact management system.
• Experience with bull elephants preferable but not essential.
• Applicants must be able to handle the physical nature of the role. Typically able to lift at least 20kg regularly as part of the working day.
  
  

Other Job Holder Expectations

• Ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities.
• Mindful of the visitor experience in all aspects of your work and in your contact with.
• Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
• Christian belief is not expected, but willingness to work within the ethos of the charity is necessary.
• Comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when required.
• Undertake such other duties as are relevant with the position
  
  

This is a full-time position working a 40-hour week on a flexible rota (including weekends and bank holidays).

Apply For This Job

Please email us your CV and covering letter, please make the subject heading of your emails 'Application for Elephant Keeper'

Your covering letter should include an accurate summary of your relevant experience with Elephants. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 side of A4 (400 words).

We are looking to recruit an experienced animal keeper for this role as this is not an entry level position, as such applicants with no previous experience will not be considered at this point!