Keeper, Discovery

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Position:Keeper of Destination Discovery – Full Time

Organization:Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri

Directly Reports to:Zoological Manager of Destination Discovery (DD), and the Fred Saigh Curator of DD

About the Saint Louis Zoo:

The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

About St. Louis, Mo:

From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways.

Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at

Position Summary:

The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a skilled animal care professional to serve as a Henry

A. Jubel, Destination Discovery (DD) Keeper in the care of growing population of animals. Destination Discovery staff collaborate with our Conservation Education Department to create inspiring, educational and transformational early childhood and family programming. Learn more about Destination Discovery here: /destination discovery

This position will serve under the direction of the Fred Saigh Curator of Destination Discovery and the Zoological Manager of Destination Discovery as part of the Zoo’s dynamic, kind, passionate, and expert Animal Care team, led by the Vice President of Animal Care, and comprised of the General Curator, Animal Curators, Zoological Managers, Keeper staff, Animal Health, Animal Nutrition Services, and Life Support Services.

We are seeking candidates with experience in the care and positive reinforcement-based training of ambassador animals. The ideal applicant is equally passionate about animal wellbeing and connecting guests to wildlife through early childhood and family programming. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and embody the values of adaptability, collaboration, empowerment, and innovation. They will thrive in a flexible and fail-forward work culture that values continuous improvement and reflective collaboration.

They should also bring proven experience using operant conditioning in a professional animal care setting.

This role collaborates closely with Animal Health, Conservation Education, Nutrition, Research, and other Zoo departments to ensure exceptional animal welfare and support our broader goals in environmental empathy and conservation. Strong skills in active listening, teamwork, and both written and verbal communication are essential. Applicants should be dedicated to assessing and enhancing animal wellbeing through enrichment, training, social management, and ongoing professional development.

This position plays a vital role in creating meaningful guest experiences, fostering empathy for wildlife, and connecting our community to the Saint Louis Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.

Responsibilities

· Provide daily care for ambassador animals, ensuring the highest standards of welfare, enrichment, and behavioral conditioning.

· Clean, maintain, design, and enhance animal habitats to meet care and enrichment needs of the animals in our care.

· Monitor…