Zoo Keeper (Cover)
CompanyMerlin Entertainments
Location
Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Employment TypeFull-time
Posted At6/12/2026
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation TypeAnimal care services occupations not elsewhere classified
Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£33,400
(£17.13 per hour)
Immigration salary list rate applies
✓ On immigration salary list - lower visa fees apply
Above analytics are generated algorithmically based on job titles and may not always be the same as the company's job classification. You can also check detailed occupation eligibility, and salary criteria on our UK Visa Eligible Occupations & Salary Thresholds page.
Disclaimer: Hunt UK Visa Sponsors aggregates job listings from publicly available sources, such as search engines, to assist with your job hunting. We do not claim affiliation with Merlin Entertainments. For the most up-to-date job details, please visit the official website by clicking "Apply Now."
Description
Ready to step into a wild world of conservation, care and unforgettable animal moments as a Zookeeper at Chessington World of Adventures Resort?
At Chessington, our adventurers don’t just visit a zoo, they enter a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate and protect. As a Zookeeper, no two days are ever the same. You’ll take an active role in the day-to-day running of the collection, including delivery of the highest standards of animal husbandry required with species such as Capybara, Asian small-clawed otters, Binturong, Giraffe, Humboldt Penguins and a range of aquatic species found in our very own SEA LIFE Centre.
Duties will include planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care alongside delivering first-class meet and greets and memorable experiences to our Adventurers. You will also be required to use positive reinforcement to train a wide variety of species for husbandry and presentations.
You’ll also be part of a team that creates the most stimulating environment possible – for both animals and guests. Since we’re big on conservation, education and research, you’ll have a big part to play in that too. You will also be keen to support all areas within our zoo, which will in turn benefit your own personal development. You will ensure the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and our guests always as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your Head of Section.
This is a full-time role, working a flexible pattern across 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.
Qualifications & Experience
At Chessington, our adventurers don’t just visit a zoo, they enter a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate and protect. As a Zookeeper, no two days are ever the same. You’ll take an active role in the day-to-day running of the collection, including delivery of the highest standards of animal husbandry required with species such as Capybara, Asian small-clawed otters, Binturong, Giraffe, Humboldt Penguins and a range of aquatic species found in our very own SEA LIFE Centre.
Duties will include planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care alongside delivering first-class meet and greets and memorable experiences to our Adventurers. You will also be required to use positive reinforcement to train a wide variety of species for husbandry and presentations.
You’ll also be part of a team that creates the most stimulating environment possible – for both animals and guests. Since we’re big on conservation, education and research, you’ll have a big part to play in that too. You will also be keen to support all areas within our zoo, which will in turn benefit your own personal development. You will ensure the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and our guests always as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your Head of Section.
This is a full-time role, working a flexible pattern across 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.
Qualifications & Experience
- A degree in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience of working in a zoo environment or equivalent.
- Possession of a forklift licence, tractor certification and/or firearms experience would be advantageous.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with the stamina to stand for extended periods and effectively handle physically demanding tasks.
- 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
- 40% off LEGO online
- Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
- Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold Edition)
- X2 volunteer days a year
- Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
- Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets
If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range
GBP £27,000.00/Yr.