British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Ape Animal Keeper
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Ape Animal Keeper
Senior Animal Care Assistant – Zoological Collections
Twycross Zoo – East Midlands
Closing date for applications: 25th July 2026
Contact: Emma Lancaster (emma.lancaster@twycrosszoo.org) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £27,425
About the Role
This exciting full-time role offers the opportunity to work within a dedicated team, playing a vital role in husbandry and conservation, delivering life-changing experiences to guests.
Key Objectives
- Work to the zoo’s high standards to ensure animals receive correct husbandry, diet, and daily care, following direction from the Assistant Curator and Team Leader.
- Immediately report any concerns over animal health or wellbeing to a senior team member.
- Role model the company’s values in all interactions, consistently delivering exceptional experiences for guests.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Operations
- Follow section husbandry and management routines to provide top-tier care for relevant species, including:
- Enclosure servicing
- Diet provision
- Positive reinforcement training
- Enrichment opportunities
- Conduct daily observations on designated animals, escalating unusual or concerning behaviour to senior staff.
- Strictly adhere to all risk assessments, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and policies to maintain health and safety standards.
- Seek ways to outperform quality standards, continuously refining expertise and staying informed about best practices in species management.
- Accurately record animal data as directed, including:
- Section diary entries
- DAM (Daily Animal Monitoring) reports
- ZIMS entries
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Public Engagement & Team Collaboration
- Support and facilitate guest engagement, including:
- Delivering or assisting with animal talks
- Assisting public feed sessions
- Work across various departments (veterinary, maintenance, research, education), demonstrating initiative to support zoo-based projects and suggest improvements.
About You
Suitable applicants will demonstrate the following key attributes:
Essentials
- Motivation and dedication to animal welfare and high standards.
- Excellent time management, ability to prioritise, and work independently when required.
- Strong communication skills across all levels of the organisation.
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional discretion.
- Competence in Microsoft Office (MS Office) and ZIMS.
- Physical ability to perform the expected section work duties.
Desirable
- Degree (BSc) or equivalent in an animal or conservation-related subject.
- DMZAA qualification (or equivalent) sought for applicants.
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant animal taxonomy, including:
- Nungal behaviours
- ————Management
- Understanding of breeding programmes, zoo conservation impact (including BIAZA & EAZA).
- Active commitment to species and habitat conservation in cooperating zoos.
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Why Join Twycross Zoo?
Join a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare, science, and conservation. As a registered charity, contribute directly to our mission:
🔹 Protecting wildlife 🔹 Inspiring future generations
This role is ideal for professionals seeking a meaningful career where their impact is visible.
Benefits
Employee Perks
A comprehensive benefits package to reward and support our team:
✔ 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with tenure. ✔ Immediate life assurance (from day one). ✔ Paid sick leave (from day one after 6 months’ service). ✔ Access to discount platforms for leisure and savings. ✔ Staff membership card granting free entry to the zoo on days off. ✔ Annual complimentary Twycross Zoo tickets for friends/family. ✔ Discounts in Twycross Zoo’s gift shop & food/beverage outlets. ✔ Monthly recognition awards. ✔ Access to employee assistance services. ❄️ Free parking available.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter to human.resources@twycrosszoo.org by 5pm on 25 July 2026.
⚠️ Note: Applications must be submitted directly; no agency submissions are accepted. We reserve the right to close the role early in the event of a strong applicant pool.
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