Mammal Keeper

Wingham Wildlife Park

South East Closing date for applications is: 1st Jun 2026

Contact: Mr Matthew Jay (headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £27,476.80 per annum

We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team. If you want to be part of one of the UK's fastest growing zoos and are interested about the prospect of being part of something new, this position might be for you!

Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for a likeminded “team player” who would fit in amongst our animal care team. This role will cover species on our mammal’s section such as Giraffe, Tapir, Pygmy Hippo, Red Panda, Capybaras, Coatis, Meerkats, Wallaby’s, Porcupines, Blesbok, Egyptian Fruit Bats, Northern Luzon Cloud Rats, Naked Mole Rats and a variety of other species.

The Candidate Will

Be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis as well as leading public talks to large crowds. Have proven experience working in a zoo setting (preferably with similar species) Be able to work as part of a team and on their own. Must be self-motivated and willing to expand their knowledge about our animal collection. Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the sections without always waiting to be asked. Have exceptional time keeping skills. Show excellent practical animal husbandry skills. Have a valid UK driving licence or have good access to transport links.

The Role Involves

Day to day husbandry of the animals covered by the section, including diet preparation, observations, enrichment, and positive reinforcement training. Excellent observational and note keeping skills when working with the animals at the park. Strict adherence to safe working practices. Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.

Benefits

Permanent Contract 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) In house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses. Free staff parking Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year Uniform 30% staff food discount 40% staff drinks & snacks discount 20% animal experiences discount 10% gift shop discount

This full-time position (40 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. This position also requires people to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

Apply For This Job

All applications to be addressed for the attention of Mr Matthew Jay to headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk along with a covering letter, CV, and a list of all species you have worked with.

For applications to this job please use reference MAMMAL in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview. Our interviews consist of a practical element as well as a formal interview.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.