Lead Keeper - Hoofstock

Zoological Society of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Flexible working

Annual leave 25 days + bank holidays

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Equality Networks

Zoo tickets

Cycle2Work

Job summary

ZSL, London Zoo, seeks a Curatorial Lead Keeper for the Hoofstock section to lead advanced husbandry and support breeding programmes. You will provide specialist advice, coordinate animal transfers, and ensure high standards of record keeping and welfare.

The role is full-time, 37.5 hours weekly, with a weekend rota. Applicants should have proven hoofstock experience and Zoo Animal Management qualifications; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Significant practical experience with hoofstock in a zoological setting.
• Strong capability in species planning and conservation initiatives.
• Ability to interpret research for taxonomy and care improvements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain zoo networks with BIAZA and EAZA.
• Ensure ZIMS is used effectively across Hoofstock.
• Support breeding plans, transfers, and rearing guidance.
• Lead research projects applying evidence-based care and best practice.
• Hands-on daily husbandry and maintaining high hygiene standards.

Skills

Hoofstock handling

Species planning

Record keeping

Education

Zoo Animal Management

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Purpose of the role

ZSL is looking for a Curatorial Lead Keeper within the Hoofstock to join the Hoofstock section of our Animal Department at the iconic London Zoo, Regents Park.

This hands-on role is suited to an experienced keeper with demonstrable experience working with Hoofstock, supported by strong and evolving taxonomic knowledge, including an understanding of species planning, EEP management, and Hoofstock best practice guidelines.

Working under the direction of the Section Manager and Curator of Mammals, the Curatorial Lead Keeper will apply advanced husbandry and species knowledge to support section breeding programmes, animal transfers, updates to the species plan, and accurate record keeping. While the role does not include direct line management, it provides specialist advice and practical support to colleagues.

This role is offered on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you'll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time.

Key Responsibilities

• Zoo Network: Maintain a strong zoo network and connection with BIAZA and EAZA.
• Record Keeping & ZIMS: Ensure ZIMS is used effectively across the Hoofstock section.
• Species Planning: Apply specialist experience and knowledge to maintain an active species plan, support breeding recommendations, and coordinate animal transfers, introductions, and rearing guidance.
• Research and advise: Lead and manage research projects across the section, applying robust scientific research methods to develop and implement evidence-based care, best practice and conservation initiatives.
• Hands-on Animal Care: Work as an active member of the keeper team, supporting daily husbandry duties and maintaining excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards.

About You

• Significant practical experience working with Hoofstock within a zoological setting.
• Strong practical capability and genuine enthusiasm for species planning.
• Qualification in Zoo Animal Management or equivalent experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply research to species planning, conservation initiatives and best practice guidelines.
• Involvement in communities of interest with regards to Hoofstock Management in zoos, including networks in BIAZA and EAZA. Previous management of EEPs is an advantage.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload while supporting collaborative team delivery.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under-represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivaled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer?

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It's important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.