Primate Keeper

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

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in Kent is seeking a passionate animal keeper to join their primate section. The role involves a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, focusing on husbandry duties, conservation education, and public engagement. Candidates should have experience working with primates and a solid understanding of health and safety. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, fostering a supportive team environment dedicated to wildlife conservation.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Comprehensive training and development

Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies

Unlimited free entry to the parks

Exceptional discounts on food and accommodations

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Experience working with primates in a zoological setting.
• Valid driving licence essential.
• Confidence around all types of primates with handling skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform all husbandry duties including feeding and cleaning.
• Engage in conservation education and public talks.
• Maintain animal enclosures and record keeping.

Skills

Experience with primates

Good communication skills

Health and safety knowledge

Basic Office software knowledge

Job description

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Kent Closing date for applications is: 30th Jan 2026

Salary: Up to £26,500.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits

Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?

Do you want to work in a place where you can hear the roar from our pride of Lions, or calls from troops of Howler Monkeys?

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, based in Kent, is seeking a passionate, hardworking and motivated animal keeper to work with a team of enthusiastic keepers on our primate section. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake all duties on the section from general husbandry including cleaning and feeding as well as enclosure maintenance and record keeping.

Conservation education plays a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for talks and encounters with the public. We provide extensive staff training and will offer the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities.

Who we are looking for:

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with primates, gained in a mainstream zoological collection and a full valid driving licence is essential. You will be a good communicator with the ability to impart knowledge to the section. You will need to be confident around all types of primates with a hands‑on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary. Knowledge of health and safety is essential. A working knowledge of basic Office software will be an advantage, as well as an understanding of ZIMS.

The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include 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.

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 breaks 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:

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other ‘roarsome’ 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.
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service‑related rewards and Benefits.