Senior Keeper Primate Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoological organization is seeking a Senior Keeper for the Primate Section, covering maternity leave for one year. The successful candidate will work with various primate species, ensuring high welfare standards and creating engaging visitor encounters. Applicants should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in a zoological setting and be motivated to develop animal care practices. This role offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to conservation efforts and enhance the visitor experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
• Ability to deliver engaging visitor experiences.
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards.

Responsibilities

• Carry out husbandry duties for various primate species.
• Develop animal husbandry, breeding management, and enclosure design.
• Ensure safe working protocols and practices are followed.
• Deliver enclosure encounters for zoo visitors.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Risk assessment knowledge

Teamwork

Communication skills

Job description

Senior Keeper Primate Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

Colchester Zoological Society

East Anglia Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award‑winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Senior Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a one‑year maternity cover role working within our Primate Section; responsible for Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees, yellow‑breasted capuchins, cherry‑crowned mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, Colombian black spider monkeys and various lemur species.

• Work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care.
• Input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section.
• Ensure safe working protocols and practices and have a good understanding of risk assessments.
• Deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section.

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job:

Further details of the job role can be found here: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/