Zookeeper - Birds

Zoological Society of London (ZSL); Whipsnade; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 12% contributory pension

Flexible working options

25 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Life assurance from day one

Employee wellbeing support

Staff tickets to ZSL London/Whipsnade

Job summary

ZSL at Whipsnade Zoo is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper to care for birds in the Animal Department. You will support daily husbandry, enrichment, and welfare, ensuring high standards for a diverse range of species including passerines and penguins.

The role requires outdoor work, a full driving licence, and an Apprenticeship/DMZAA-style qualification or equivalent, with a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience working with birds in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Demonstrates welfare-focused husbandry and enrichment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to follow health and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Food preparation and feeding according to species-specific diets.
• Maintain hygiene and clean exhibits and equipment to high standards.
• Support enrichment and welfare initiatives, helping create enriching enclosures.
• Observe animal health, behavior and safety; report concerns to senior staff.

Skills

Zookeeper experience

Animal welfare

Enrichment

Observation

Teamwork

Reliability

Driving licence

Education

DMZAA or equivalent

Job description

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper within the Bird section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

This exciting opportunity involves caring for an incredible range of Birds, including Wrinkled hornbills, Wattled cranes, Penguins and a large range of passerines such as Critically endangered Javan Green magpies, Sumatran laughingthrush and extinct in the wild Socorro doves and Vietnam pheasant.

As a vital team member, you will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, play an active role in enrichment and training programmes, and help create engaging experiences for visitors. You will work closely with the section manager, team leader, and colleagues, supporting all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.

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:

• Food Preparation: Preparation of approved diets and carrying out feeding procedures.
• Hygiene and Cleaning: Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.
• Husbandry and Enrichment: Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
• Animal Observation: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.

• Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or an equivalent qualification.
• Practical experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium, ideally managing exotic species.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands‑on work.
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive, sustainable approach to completing tasks that benefit the department, maximising productivity and efficiency.
• Can work effectively both as part of a team and independently to carry out section tasks.
• Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a diligent work ethic.
• Holds a full, valid UK Driving Licence.

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 underrepresented 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.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled 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?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• 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.