Primate Care Staff – Ape Keepers
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.
About the Roles
We are looking for a committed, passionate and experienced Primate Care Staff for our ape sections which currently includes 50 chimpanzees in 4 communities, 16 orang-utans in 3 groups, and 16 gibbons of 5 different species. Rescues/new arrivals are frequent and require focus in the early stages of rehabilitation to meet the new arrival’s individual, physical and psychological needs. We welcome applications from overseas candidates who already hold a Skilled Worker visa granted before 22 July 2025.
Key Responsibilities
You will carry out the daily care, cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and health checks of primates, ensuring our high standards are met and maintained.
- Daily and strong communication with your team and section heads.
- High standards of visitor engagement including delivering keeper talks confidently and professionally.
- Work according to our safety procedures and hands-off protocols.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Minimum 1 years’ experience in primate husbandry.
- 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.
- Disciplined to work under potentially dangerous and stressful environment, according to protocols.
Desirable:
- Experience working with chimpanzees, orang-utans, gorillas, and/or gibbons.
- Experience of introductions of unfamiliar/related individuals.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in zoology, biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Commitment to Continued Professional development.
- Knowledge and experience of operant conditioning.
- A positive outlook, enthusiasm and motivation.
- Experience with darting and gun teams.
Why Join Us?
An inspiring environment - 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.
Contribute to the care and understanding of vulnerable species:
Such as orphan orang-utan that are rehabilitated in our Orang-utan Creche in order to grow up with others of their own kind and break the cycle of abandonment.
Monkey World is the only wildlife park remaining in Europe that keeps healthy, family groups of woolly monkeys. 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.
Primate Care Staff starting salary up to £25,541.02 dependant on ability and experience.
Subsidised staff accommodation available for first 12 months of employment (subject to availability).
Employee Assistance Programme provided.
Holiday Entitlement of 5.6 weeks inclusive of public/bank holidays.
Company pension scheme.
Countryside working environment close to the Jurassic Coast and the historic county town of Dorchester.
Continued Professional development offered and encouraged including the possibility of Educational and Travel Grants, subject to length of service.
How to Apply
If you're ready to take the next step in your primate care 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: [email protected]
Pay: £23,786.51-£25,541.02 per year
Work Location: In person
