Team Leader - Primates

Vacancy at Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society Ltd

Vacancy listed
28/09/2026

Details

Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo in the heart of England. We are rapidly growing and welcoming over 700,000 people every year to our 100-acre site near Atherstone.

This is an exciting time to join us as we enter a period of significant investment and development in the animal species on site. Joining us now will provide the ideal opportunity to drive positive change and help shape the future of our conservation efforts across all our primate taxa.

As we enter an exciting new chapter in our history with the development of the Global Conservation Centre, you will be joining the team at a pivotal moment. This new £25 million development, opening in 2027, includes a brand-new world class orangutan habitat alongside conservation and education facilities, and more habitats for new species.

We have also recently changed how our primate teams are structured. We no longer have separate teams for our great apes and other primate species but have brought them together as one under the direction of the Curator of Primates, giving our primate keepers the opportunity to work with all our amazing primate species across the site.

At Twycross Zoo, we are committed to leading the way in primate care, conservation, and husbandry. You will work closely with the Curator of Primates to support the finalising of new routines, keeper training and development, and setting the team up to ensure this exciting change progresses smoothly.

As Team Leader, you will play a key role in shaping the future of one of the most significant primate collections in the UK. From Bornean orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and the UK's only bonobo group, to rare and endangered species such as greater bamboo lemurs, Diana monkeys, golden lion tamarins, and five species of gibbon, every day brings an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare, conservation and the development of world‑class husbandry standards.

If you are dedicated to driving high standards in animal care, thrive on providing excellent leadership and feel rewarded by pushing continued improvements across the zoo sector, you might be just what we’re looking for.

• To support the Curator in the running of the animal team, ensuring that all elements of animal and team management is carried out effectively and safely
• Responsible for ensuring the standards of work and presentation are of a consistently high standard, according to modern zoo practices
• Role modelling the company values in all areas of your work, ensuring the team feel empowered to consistently deliver outstanding experiences to our guests.

• Support the Curator in ensuring high standards of animal wellbeing and the presentation of all the zoo’s great ape species. Regularly assess our animal management, recommending areas for improvement to the Curator.
• Ensures continued improvement of standards of animal care in line with best practice, SSSMZP and zoo licensing requirements, and inputting on ethical decisions. Attend external meetings and workshops where relevant to ensure animal knowledge is up to date
• Provide excellent leadership, helping to embed a solution focussed approach to challenges whilst striving for a positive team culture and engagement.
• Support the Curator with team management including, but not limited to, rota management, training and development, performance and completion of formal HR processes as necessary.
• Deputising for the Curator when needed
• Assume Duty Animal Manager responsibilities on a rota basis with the other senior animal staff, including taking the lead role in the event of an animal emergency.
• Be part of the…