About the Role
You’ll join the Wildlife Health Services team at ZSL, supporting exceptional veterinary care across both ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Conservation Zoos. This is a full-time position working predominantly as a clinician, though you’ll also represent ZSL as a centre of excellence in zoo and wild animal veterinary care. You’ll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to animal health, welfare, and conservation—with opportunities to contribute to research and mentor the next generation of wildlife veterinarians.
Key Responsibilities
- Clinical Care: Deliver high-standard preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services across both zoo sites, including disease surveillance and post-mortem examinations
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with curatorial and animal management teams to support health, welfare, and ZSL’s conservation goals
- Research & Publication: Lead or contribute to clinical research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals to enhance ZSL’s profile in wildlife veterinary science
- Teaching & Mentorship: Support student placements, MSc programmes, and ECZM residents through ZSL, the RVC, and partner institutions
- Reporting: Produce timely clinical, pathological, and welfare reports to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
Requirements
- RCVS membership (qualified veterinary surgeon)
- Proven experience in veterinary care of zoo and wild animals across diverse species
- Experience with remote drug-delivery firearms and systems
- Knowledge of zoo licensing legislation, animal health, health & safety, firearms, and veterinary medicines regulations
- Ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively
- Competence with IT systems, including MS Office and ZIMS (zoo management software)
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
- Right to work in the UK and eligibility for DBS clearance and firearms licence
Benefits
- Pension: Generous contributory pension scheme (up to 12%)
- Leave: 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service milestones
- Flexible Working: Flexible working arrangements discussed and accommodated
- Professional Development: Access to staff wellbeing initiatives, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (confidential)
- Life Assurance: Automatic enrolment from day one for eligible employees
- Perks: Annual allocation of complimentary Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets; 30% discount on online and retail shop purchases
- Travel Support: Interest-free season ticket loan for London-based employees; Cycle2Work scheme
- Family-Friendly: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
- Inclusion: Access to staff Equality Networks (Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, Menopause) supporting a welcoming, inclusive workplace
About the Organisation
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity operating two world-class zoos: London Zoo and Whipsnade Conservation Zoo. Through expert animal teams, pioneering conservation scientists, and dedicated field conservationists, ZSL works to inspire, inform, and empower people to prevent wild animal extinction. The Wildlife Health Services team is central to animal care and welfare across both sites, combining clinical excellence with cutting-edge conservation research.
ZSL actively welcomes applications from underrepresented communities, recognising that conservation benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences. The organisation is committed to building a supportive, inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
