Animal Keeper - Primate Section

Aspinall Foundation; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned wildlife conservation organization in the UK is seeking a dedicated Animal Keeper for a full-time position at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. The role involves animal husbandry, engaging with the public through educational talks, and maintaining enclosures. The ideal candidate will have experience with primates and strong communication skills. A flexible approach is essential as role may include weekends. The position offers an attractive salary and numerous benefits including training opportunities and staff discounts.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Comprehensive training opportunities

Enhanced sickness policies

Unlimited free entry to parks

Discounts on food and retail

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experience in a mainstream zoological collection is preferred.
• Must have a valid driving license.
• Confidence around all types of primates.

Responsibilities

• Undertake general husbandry and care of animals.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in enclosures.
• Engage in conservation education with the public.

Skills

Experience working with primates

Good communication skills

Knowledge of health and safety

Hands-on approach to animal handling

Tools

Basic Office software

ZIMS

Job description

Closing date: 30th January 2026. Salary: Up to £26,500.00, plus desirable benefits. Onsite accommodation may be available dependent on occupancy. Full time, permanent position.

Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?

Do you want to work in a place where you can hear the roar from our pride of Lions, or calls from troops of Howler Monkeys?

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, based in Kent, is seeking a passionate, hardworking and motivated animal keeper to work with a team of enthusiastic keepers on our primate section. The successful applicant will undertake duties including general husbandry, cleaning, feeding, enclosure maintenance and record keeping. Conservation education plays a big role in the park, and you will have opportunities for talks and encounters with the public. We provide extensive staff training and development opportunities.

Who We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with primates, gained in a mainstream zoological collection, and a full valid driving licence is essential. You will be a good communicator with the ability to impart knowledge to the section. You will need to be confident around all types of primates with a hands‑on approach to restraint and handling of animals where necessary. Knowledge of health and safety is essential. A working knowledge of basic Office software will be an advantage, as well as an understanding of ZIMS.

Contract Details

The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, five days out of seven, and will include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world‑renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short‑break accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once‑in‑a‑lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why You Should Join Us

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service. (Pro‑rata to start date and working hours)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e‑learning.
• Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks, as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24‑hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Company pension.
• And many more length or service‑related rewards and benefits.

Your adventure awaits

#joinourpride

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

To Apply

Please email your full C.V. and covering letter to – [e-mail]