Zookeeper- Elephants

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Full Time Regular Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA, US

2 days ago Requisition

Position Title:

Zookeeper
- Elephants

Department:

Animal

Reports To:

Curator

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Date Revised:8/31/2026

This is an exciting time for the Audubon Zoo Elephant Department as we are adding three new positions to the team! This team will be fully dedicated to the care of 0.3 Asian Elephants. The selected team members will provide technical work in the daily care of elephants and report directly to the Curator of Elephants. Zookeepers: perform routine zookeeper duties;

work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions; may supervisor volunteer staff; initiate and participate in training and behavioral enrichment. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and enthusiastic team that is focused on long term welfare initiatives and providing exceptional and progressive elephant care.

Provide daily guest experience of outstanding quality.

• A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate and respond to any emergency situations that arise with our guests or facility.
• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.
• Participates in demonstrations/chats/feeds for our guests daily.
• Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.
• Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.

• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).
• Performs and initiates behavior modification and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor(s).
• Provide elephant-specific husbandry, such as footcare, baths sessions, etc.
• Observes general animal health and behavior daily and reports any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s).
• Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.
• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).
• Will assist in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures .
• Will value the contribution of every team member.
• May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.
• May assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Participates in restraining elephants under the supervision of the curator.
• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed, including administering medications.
• Assists in operant conditioning with the elephants and guide the elephants through the daily routine utilizing these positive and controlled training techniques.
• Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.
• Strong skills in time management.
• Ability to stay f lexible with team, supervisor(s), elephants and daily routine.
• Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Take initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.
• Brings a positive…