Keeper Volunteer - Farm and Deer and Antelope Sections

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in Bedfordshire is seeking Keeper Volunteers for their Farm and Deer & Antelope sections. Responsibilities include cleaning, food preparation, and supporting animal care tasks. Ideal candidates are over 18, have strong communication skills, and can commit to one day a week for 6 months. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with animals and visitors while maintaining animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Must have right permissions to volunteer; no visa sponsorship available.
• Positions last for a fixed period of 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning animal enclosures and houses.
• Preparing food for the animals.
• Supporting animal care tasks.
• Maintaining public viewing areas.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Good communication skills

Good level of fitness

Ability to work in all weather conditions

Ability to work calmly in animal environments

Understanding health and safety procedures

Reliability and regular attendance

Job description

Overview

Keeper Volunteer - Farm and Deer and Antelope Sections at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire. Closing date for applications is: 21st Sep 2025.

Whipsnade Zoo are looking for keeper volunteers to support the Farm and Deer and Antelope sections. You will help care for a diverse range of animals and engage with visitors as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning animal enclosures and houses
• Preparing food for the animals
• Supporting the team with day-to-day animal care tasks
• Maintaining public viewing areas and supporting positive visitor experiences through good customer service
• Monitoring animal behaviour and public interactions where required
• Observing animal training and enrichment opportunities where appropriate
• Note: There is no direct contact with animals in this role; animals are managed to retain natural behaviours

Farm

Hullabazoo Farm is an interactive area where visitors can meet a range of farmyard animals (e.g., miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, pigs, sheep, guinea pigs). Volunteers may support day-to-day animal care and engage with visitors inside the walk-through. More experienced volunteers may participate in animal handling, grooming, training, and meet-and-greet experiences.

Expectations and requirements

• Each volunteer will be allocated to one section (Farm or Deer & Antelope). The role runs throughout the year with a regular commitment of one day per week; days can be discussed with your volunteer supervisor.
• Hours are likely to be 8am–5pm or 8am–4pm in winter; specific times will be agreed with the relevant section.
• You must have the right permissions to volunteer; ZSL does not sponsor visas. If you are subject to visa requirements, check with UK Visas and Immigration whether your visa allows volunteering.
• Volunteers need to be over 18 years of age.
• Volunteer positions last for a fixed period of 6 months.

Anticipated qualities, skills and experience

• Willingness to learn and follow instructions
• Good communication skills and initiative
• Good level of fitness due to physical tasks
• Comfortable being outside in all weather
• Ability to work calmly and sensitively in animal environments
• Understanding and adherence to health and safety procedures
• Reliability and regular attendance
• Ability to demonstrate ZSL values – inspiring, innovative, impactful, collaborative, ethical

Apply for this job

If you are interested in applying please click this link and complete our online form. Please also send your CV to [e-mail] and include “Whipsnade Keeper Volunteer Application - Farm and Deer & Antelope” in the message title.