British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Primate Care Staff – Capuchin and Orang-utan Team
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Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre
Dorset
Closing date for applications is: 19th Sep 2026
Contact: Jayne Gray (HRadmin@monkeyworld.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: from £23,786.51 to £25,541.02 dependant on ability and experience
Primate Care Staff – Capuchin and Orang-utan Team
Join the team giving rescued primates a second chance at life and be part of something extraordinary.
Imagine starting your working day surrounded by capuchin monkeys and orang-utans, knowing that the care you provide is helping animals who have experienced some of the most difficult beginnings a primate can face.
At Monkey World, that is exactly what you can do.
About Us
Founded in 1987, Monkey World is home to over 240 primates of more than 25 different species. We assist governments around the globe to stop the smuggling, abuse, and neglect of primates. Many of our monkeys and apes have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, laboratories, and other abusive or neglectful captive pasts. At our 65-acre woodland rescue and rehabilitation centre in Dorset we provide sanctuary, expert care, and a second chance at life. Our shared vision is to provide our primates with the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry in a safe and natural environment with others of their own kind. And we need people who share that vision.
About The Role
We are looking for a committed and experienced Primate Care Staff to join the team and support the Section Head and Deputy Section Head on our capuchin and orang-utan section. We have over 60 capuchin monkeys managed in five mixed sexed groups. Many of these monkeys were rescued from a biomedical laboratory in 2008 and were singly housed prior to their arrival and subsequent rehabilitation at Monkey World. The remaining individuals have been rescued from the pet trade.
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Monkey World is currently home to 14 orang-utans, both Bornean and Sumatran, living in three groups. We are also the home to the European Orang-utan Crèche, where orphaned or abandoned orang-utans are sent to grow up with others of their own kind.
These are extraordinary animals who are intelligent, complex and individual. Caring for them requires knowledge, dedication and genuine passion.
Essential
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in primate husbandry, ideally with a range of species.
- Strong working knowledge of primate behaviour, health & safety requirements for staff and animals, and the ability to implement them.
- Ability to manage priorities.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be physically fit due to the significant demands involving long periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling etc.
Above all, you will be someone who cares deeply about doing the job properly and understands the responsibility that comes with caring for vulnerable animals.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a job in animal care.
It is an opportunity to work alongside experienced primate professionals at a centre with a global reputation for rescue, rehabilitation and welfare.
You Will Have The Chance To
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Make a genuine difference.
Every day, your work will directly contribute to the welfare and quality of life of rescued primates.
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Work with incredible animals.
From energetic capuchins to highly intelligent orang-utans, you will care for individuals with their own personalities, histories and needs.
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Be part of important conservation and welfare work.
Monkey World works internationally to combat primate trafficking, abuse and neglect, while sharing knowledge and experience with rescue centres around the world.
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Help protect vulnerable species.
Monkey World is the only wildlife park remaining that keeps healthy, family groups of woolly monkeys outside of insitu rescue centres. However, even insitu centres struggle to keep this beautiful, but difficult species alive and healthy. With such a small number remaining in captivity, breeding programs no longer exist, and it is our intention to create a working group with insitu rescue centres to share our knowledge and experience.
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Keep learning and developing.
We actively encourage continued professional development, with opportunities including Educational and Travel Grants, subject to length of service.
What We Offer
- Work at one of the world’s leading primate rescue centres receiving primates in need from around the globe as well as from the UK pet trade.
- Primate Care Staff starting salary from £23,786.51 to £25,541.02 dependant on ability and experience.
- Heavily subsidised staff accommodation available.
- Employee Assistance Programme provided.
- Holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks inclusive of public/bank holidays.
- Discount in the café and gift shop.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee perks scheme.
- Free parking.
Apply For This Job
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and you want to lead with purpose and passion, we want to hear from you.
Please send a covering letter and up to date CV to: hradmin@monkeyworld.org
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