Job opportunities

Animal Keeper - Apes

About Us

Twycross Zoo is a leading conservation-focused zoo in the heart of England, dedicated to science and the preservation of endangered species. This year, we proudly celebrate our 60th anniversary! With over 600,000 visitors annually exploring our stunning 100-acre rural site near Atherstone, we are expanding rapidly and entering an exciting new phase of growth and development.
This is the perfect time to join our team as we embrace new leadership and structure, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to mammal conservation efforts and shape the future of Twycross Zoo.
 
Our Animals
We are home to over 400 animals and are the only UK zoo to house bonobos. Our world-renowned primate collection includes all four species of great ape: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos. In addition, we proudly care for several endangered species, including Eastern black rhinos, Sumatran tigers, Ecuadorian Amazon parrots, and four species of gibbons.
 
The Role - Animal Keeper (Great Apes)
As an Animal Keeper, you'll play a vital role in the care and welfare of our ape collection, including all four great ape species and the UK's only bonobo group.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering high standards of animal care by following established routines for husbandry, diet preparation, enrichment activities, and positive reinforcement training.
• Conducting regular observations to monitor animal wellbeing, reporting any concerns to senior staff.
• Ensuring all health and safety protocols, risk assessments, and policies are followed to maintain safe working practices.
• Proactively improving your knowledge of ape care while identifying ways to enhance the wellbeing of our animals.
• Accurately recording animal data, including diary entries, DAM daily reports, and ZIMS entries.
• Engaging with visitors through animal talks, public feeds, and educational interactions.
• Collaborating with departments such as veterinary services, maintenance, research, conservation education, and animal services.

 What We're Looking For
To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation-related subject (desirable).
• Experience working with great apes in a zoo environment.
• A DMZAA qualification (or equivalent) (desirable).
• Strong knowledge of great ape species, their physiology, natural behaviours, and zoo management practices.
• A commitment to delivering the highest welfare standards and driving excellence in animal care.
• Excellent time management and the ability to prioritise tasks independently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality when required.
• IT competence in MS Office and ZIMS.
• An understanding of breeding programme management, the role of modern zoos in species conservation, and the work of BIAZA and EAZA.
• A flexible approach to working hours and duties.

 This role involves working 37.5 hours per week, on a three-week rolling rota with five working days out of seven.
 
Why Join Us?
Twycross Zoo is a hub for conservation, education, and research. We take pride in our award-winning education programme, designed to inspire visitors to support global biodiversity conservation.
We are also thrilled to be developing a £20 million Global Conservation Centre, set to open in 2026. This groundbreaking facility will support vital species conservation work and provide a platform for global research, training future conservation leaders while offering a naturalistic environment for studying endangered species, including all four great apes. The centre will feature a lecture theatre, classrooms, and laboratories to support this important mission.
Join us and become part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting wildlife and educating future generations about the importance of conservation.
 
Benefits

31 days annual leave
Life assurance
Company sick pay from day one of absence
Access to ‘Perkbox’
Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
25% discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
20% discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
Star of the month award scheme
Access to employee assistance services