Carnivore Keeper - 1.0FTE

at  The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction and connect people with nature. As one of the largest open range zoos in the world, spanning more than 1,500 hectares of fauna and flora, we’re excited to be expanding Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa. Complete with a first-of-its-kind luxury resort and glamping facilities, by 2025 Monarto Safari Park will offer longer visits and a range of new and wild safari experiences in an area known as Wild Africa including incredible tours through herds of roaming animals and a huge walk-through lemur habitat.
Monarto Safari park is looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic keeper to join the Life Sciences team across carnivore species.

This role is responsible for maintaining a high standard of animal husbandry and welfare of a range of carnivore species on a full time, 7-day rotating roster. The successful candidate must be motivated, organised, have great time management and show a desire to encourage this section to strive for corporate goals and objectives. Whilst the role is currently required to work across the carnivore sections, the successful candidate may be required to work in other sections of the Life Sciences department, should operational needs require it.
These roles will work within the Wild Africa Development as it expands in the coming year, as well as the current rounds of Monarto Safari Park. Shift start and finish times will vary in line with the operational developments of the Wild Africa habitats. Hours will vary between 6am and 8pm.
There is opportunity for further roles to become available within the Life Sciences department as a result of this appointment. Please advise in your application if you would like to be considered for potential future roles.

As part of our Life Sciences team, day-to-day tasks may include:

• Obtaining, preparing and providing food to animals in accordance with established diets, feeding schedules and procedures.
• Cleaning food and water vessels, holding areas, exhibits and food preparation and storage areas to required standards, ensure animal areas are maintained free of debris and hazardous materials.
• Providing animals with items required to meet their behavioural requirements
• Observing and reporting on animal behaviour and changes to the condition of animals.
• Maintaining diaries and animal records and report matters of interest to the Senior Keeper.
• Participating in the implementation and monitoring of behavioural enrichment and training and conditioning programs to affect animal behaviour and allow routine examinations and procedures without distress
• Undertaking formal presentations and ‘Keeper Talks’ responding to questions, whilst presenting to public groups as well as the media.
• Working consistently in accordance with established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of co-workers and the public.
• Working in line with relevant Policy and Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures and providing feedback and proactive suggestions for change as required.
• Meat preparation, including use of a bandsaw.