Zoo Keeper; Primates

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

2 days ago Requisition

Department:

Animal

Reports To:

Assistant Curator of Section working

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Date Revised:8/31/2026

This position is a Zookeeper at Audubon Zoo. This position will encompass a skilled professional that provides technical work in the daily care of specific animals and habitats. Reporting directly to the Assistant Curator of an assigned area, and under the general supervision of the Curator. 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 position works directly with a breeding group Sumatran Orangutans, at a minimum of 2-3 days a week and with Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Western lowland gorillas, and Black Howler Monkeys as well as Black and White Colobus and Wolf Guenon the remaining days or as needed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team that is focused on welfare initiatives, breeding, and mixed species management.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:

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.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience.

• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.

• Participates in shows/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.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through welfare initiatives and research

• 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).

• 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 capturing, restraining, and moving animals and sharing techniques with other team members.

• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed.

• Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.

• Performs daily duties in all sections of the assigned department as required.

• Strong skills in time management.

• Ability to stay f lexible with team, supervisor(s), animals and daily routine.

• Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).

• Take initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in…