Placement Overview

This VIP is responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of animals in the zoo. Ensuring animals are kept in the correct environment to keep them physically and psychologically healthy.

Generic Job Description for an Animal Keeper

Animal Keepers manage the care and conservation of a wide variety of animals in captivity. They oversee the appropriate management of exotic and wild animals in zoos, safari parks, bird collections and aquariums.

Their role consists of tasks such as caring for the animals, cleaning and feeding them, and making sure their environment is looked after properly. They also make sure the animals get the correct diet, and keep healthcare records.

Animal Keepers may also deal directly with the public, answering questions about the animals they keep and giving presentations.

Skills:

• Enthusiasm for animal care
• Interest in animal biology and behaviour
• Patience with animals and the general public
• Good communication skills
• Reliable
• Physically fit
• Basic computer skills

Pay:

• Entry £10,000 a year
• Experienced Animal Keeper £15,000 a year
• Senior Animal Keeper £21,000 or more

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

•  37 – 40 hours per week
• Shift work including early mornings and late evening
• Call out sometimes necessary 

Environment:

•  Mostly outdoors work in all weathers and conditions
• Conditions may be extreme
• Most Animal Keepers wear a uniform

Qualifications:

•  No set entry requirements for training
• Some employers require GCSE’s grade A-C in English and Science subjects
• There are NVQs/SVQs in Animal Care Level 2 and in Zoo Animal Management    Level 3
• There are degree courses available in Animal Management, which require five GCSE’s grade A-C and one or 2 A-Levels 

Training:

•  Courses range in length from one to three years
• Course content includes practical work and assessment and sometimes a work placement
• Apprenticeships are available

Opportunities:

•  There are around 1,500 jobs for Animal Keepers throughout the UK
• Most jobs are in Zoo’s, Wildlife and Safari Parks

Links:

www.biaza.org.uk/  - British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)

www.abwak.co.uk  - ABWAK (Association of British Wild Animal Keepers)

www.zsl.org  - The Zoological Society of London (ZSL)